Educators were yesterday saluted for their hard work during World Teachers' Day celebrations.

This year's theme for the annual observance was 'Recovery begins with Teachers'.

Bermuda Union of Teachers president Keisha Douglas yesterday said: "[It is] meant to focus on teachers who have been directly or indirectly affected by major global events over the past year, such as natural disasters, or the global economic crunch that has devastated almost every nation.

"The role of teachers is so very vital to the social, economic, and intellectual rebuilding of our community. However, teachers cannot do it all alone.

"We need the support of parents, Government, administrators, the Ministry, the churches and the community as a whole, to renew their commitment and appreciation towards teachers as they fulfil their mission of preparing students to become responsible citizens equipped with the knowledge and skills to shape a sustainable future."

Ms Douglas spoke on the steps of City Hall at a ceremony also attended by Governor Sir Richard Gozney, Shadow Education Minister Grant Gibbons and Education Permanent Secretary Kevin Monkman.

World Teachers' Day was first celebrated on October 5, 1966 when UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization) and the ILO (International Labour Organization) signed a declaration by which governments recognised the importance of having qualified teachers and a strong public education system.

This year's observance came a day after it was revealed that 100 teachers in Government schools were not paid their full wages at the end of last month.

Government has since pledged to pay the teachers by the end of the week.

Ms Douglas continued: "Teachers, we appreciate you having chosen this noble profession, one so fundamental to society, and the fact that you continue in it despite, and often because of, the challenges you face.

"We value the initiatives you take in opening doors of knowledge and encouraging students despite their circumstances."

Dr. Gibbons said it was especially true in Bermuda that recovery begins with teachers.

"The idea of recovery works for me on at least three levels. These days we're all focused on economic recovery," he said.

"You as teachers are key in this, as Bermuda is a service economy and you provide the educational foundation and skills for our young people that will underpin Bermuda's future economic success.

"On another level there is social recovery out of the malaise that Bermuda finds itself with our gun violence and growing social problems."

He continued: "As teachers, you have the ability to provide opportunity and hope and inspiration for our young people, good alternative pathways. Third, there's the recovery of our public school system which has suffered a crisis of confidence and reputation over the last few years.

"But I'm confident that your dedication, passion and professionalism as teachers will play a major role in leading us forward and restoring trust and confidence in our public school system.

"But you won't be able to do it alone. We need to make sure you have the tools and resources you need to do the best possible job. We also need parents to step up to the plate and do their part. Thank you very much for being teachers."