By Ahmet Abdulaziz …..

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sarem Özdemir, Faculty Member and the Head of the Preschool Teacher Program, Faculty of Education, Cyprus International University (CIU), stated that teaching is one of the most effective professions in the world and she said that they shape minds, help to gain vision, guide people, and help people to get to know themselves.

Özdemir recalled that on November 24th, 1928, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk accepted to be the head teacher and she said this date is celebrated as Teachers’ Day in Turkey and North Cyprus.

She stated that Atatürk said “My main subject is my teaching. If I can teach my society and the nation, describe me with that” and she stated that teaching was one of the most important professions in the world both for Atatürk and herself.

Teachers’ Day aims to raise awareness of the role of teachers in society and she said “teachers, who take responsibility for the education of future generations, exhibit a great example of devotion.”

Özdemir stated that teachers, who give education in values, should educate individuals who are beneficial to society and the world. She said that this day should be perceived and treated as a special day in the process of education so that society can show its support, appreciation, and love to teachers.

Özdemir pointed out that teachers perceive this as a way of life not as a profession, saying “We respectfully greet our teachers that illuminate us in the way of life, burn lights, show ways, with love we thank and congratulate them.”