Support LEUSD Teachers on World Teachers' Day

World Teachers' Day, celebrated on Oct. 5, is a great opportunity to show teachers in the Lake Elsinore Unified School District how great you think they are. But, the day also takes on a deeper meaning, standing for the protection of teachers' rights.

Since its inception in 1994, World Teachers' Day has had a theme every year. The theme for 2012 is “Take a stand for teachers.”

This day was founded by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Its aim is to educate the public about the conditions of being a teacher around the world, focusing specifically on the protection of teachers' rights, and the proper training, development and status raising of teachers.

UNESCO’s partners in this effort are the International Labour Organization, the United Nations Development Programme, Education International and UNICEF.

Everyone has an educator who has changed his or her life with their kindness, humor or educational impact.

On World Teachers' Day, we can remember them by looking at issues and obstacles they may face, knowing that the brightest and most motivated teachers need to be continually attracted to a profession whose status continually needs improvement socially and monetarily.

The Lake Elsinore Rotary Club began its traditional Teacher of the Month Program on Wednesday, September 18. At the program, three Lake Elsinore Unified School District teachers were recognized for their dedication and work at their respective schools. September’s honorees were Christine Dudka of Rice Canyon Elementary School, Phyllis Hofmeister of Earl Warren Elementary School and Deborah Williams of Tuscany Hills Elementary School (see attached photo).

Christina Dudka teaches second grade at Rice Canyon Elementary. She is particularly known for her ability and willingness to work closely with struggling students to bring them along where they should be academically.

Phyllis Hofmeister teaches fourth grade at Earl Warren Elementary. She has also taught first and second grade. This year, she was asked to assume a new grade assignment, but still met the needs of students while forming a new class at a different grade level.

Deborah Williams teachers fifth grade at Tuscany Hills Elementary. She is also a principal's assignee, demonstrating her ability to fill in as needed when Principal Marks is away from campus. In addition, she is a key member of the history grant team, and the annual all-district School Dual competition planning team.

“Recognizing the achievements of these teachers reminds us that our community has the best of the best when it comes to dedicated educators,” said president of the Lake Elsinore Rotary Club Warren Stephenson. The Teacher of the Month program is hosted on the third Wednesday of every month during the school year at the Lake Elsinore Rotary Club meeting. The Club meets at 7:00 AM at the Ortega High School Conference Center located at 520 Chaney Street in Lake Elsinore. Public is welcome to attend the awards or meetings.

More than 100 countries currently observe World Teachers' Day, with many corporate supporters such as Google recognizing the global impact and conditions of teachers.

TELL US: How will you celebrate World Teachers' Day? Give your favorite teachers a shout out in the comments section below.