October 5th is UNESCO’s World Teachers’ Day which honours the pivotal role teachers play in shaping the future by nurturing students. Unesco-World Teacher’s Day
In the Bahá’í Faith the role of the teacher is a noble vocation. Bahá’u’lláh declares: “Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom.” The Baháʼí teachings focus on promoting a moral and spiritual education, in addition to the arts, trades, sciences and professions. The emphasis on education is a means for social and national improvement.
“Among the greatest of all services that can possibly be rendered by man to Almighty God is the education and training of children, young plants of the Abha Paradise, so that these children, fostered by grace in the way of salvation, growing like pearls of divine bounty in the shell of education, will one day bejewel the crown of abiding glory. It is, however, very difficult to undertake this service, even harder to succeed in it. I hope that thou wilt acquit thyself well in this most important of tasks, and successfully carry the day, and become an ensign of God’s abounding grace; that these children, reared one and all in the holy Teachings, will develop natures like unto the sweet airs that blow across the gardens of the All-Glorious, and will waft their fragrance around the world.” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
“The education and training of children is among the most meritorious acts of humankind and draweth down the grace and favor of the All-Merciful, for education is the indispensable foundation of all human excellence and alloweth man to work his way to the heights of abiding glory. “ And again: “Bahá’u’lláh hath proclaimed the universality of education,…it is essential to the unity of mankind, that one and all may be equally educated, whether girls or boys, and receive the same education. When education is universalized in all schools, perfect communication between the members of the human race will be established. When all receive the same kind of education the foundations of war and contention will be utterly destroyed.” ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá
Teachers are the means by which humanity can answer the call of Bahá’ú’lláh: “We prescribe unto all men that which will lead to the exaltation of the Word of God amongst His servants, and likewise, to the advancement of the world of being and the uplift of souls. To this end, the greatest means is education of the child. To this must each and all hold fast. We have verily laid this charge upon you in manifold Tablets as well as in My Most Holy Book. Well is it with him who deferreth thereto.” Bahá’u’lláh
The spiritual truth of the efficacy of the role of skilled and devoted teachers is reflected in the following description by the University of the People as one example of the wider world’s recognition: “Teachers can profoundly impact students’ academic success, personal growth, and lifelong learning. They promote positive relationships and inspire students to reach their full potential. By creating a supportive learning environment, they can help students develop essential skills for future success. Children carry what they are taught at a young age throughout the rest of their lives. They will use what they have learned to influence society. Everyone knows that today’s youth will become tomorrow’s leaders, and teachers have access to educate the youth in their most impressionable years. Those who have an impact on the children of society have the power to change lives. Not just for those children themselves, but for the lives of all.”