The CTF/FCE Announces the 2026 Norm Goble World Teachers’ Day Award Recipients

The 2026 Norm Goble Award Recipients

OTTAWA, Ontario, Oct. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Norm Goble World Teachers’ Day Award, recognizing their efforts to defend and promote the teaching profession and advance quality public education that is inclusive and accessible to all.

Established in 2014 and named in honour of Dr. Norman Goble, this award is presented annually to support CTF/FCE international partners in organizing activities to mark World Teachers’ Day (WTD).

Inspired by the 2026 CTF/FCE World Teachers’ Day theme, “Thank You for Brightening our Future”, this year’s recipients developed themes and initiatives that reflect their unique contexts and priorities. Their activities celebrate teachers and their lasting impact on students, communities, and public education. Their work reflects the spirit of WTD: recognizing and supporting the people who make learning and a brighter future possible.

The 2026 recipients are the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the Syndicat national des enseignants africains du Burkina (SNEA-B), and the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU). Each organization received $1,500 to support its World Teachers’ Day initiatives.

1.   The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT)

In collaboration with the National Teaching Council, GNAT is organizing a weeklong WTD celebration under their theme: “Empowering Teachers: Architects of the Future”.  Activities will include a parade float through the main streets of Accra; a grand celebration at GNAT headquarters, alongside regional and district celebrations; and a two-day symposium celebrating teachers and advocating for policies that promote professional development and teacher well-being. As part of its WTD celebrations, GNAT is also funding the construction of an additional classroom in two schools, as well as providing 50 children in need with school uniforms and educational resources.

2.   The Syndicat national des enseignants africains du Burkina (SNEA-B)

The theme for this year’s SNEA-B WTD event is “My Classroom, My School, My Impact”. The event is designed to highlight the professionalism, creativity, and dedication of teachers in Burkina Faso and will give them the opportunity to showcase concrete initiatives they have implemented in their classrooms, schools, and communities. These initiatives aim to improve learning, foster inclusion and support vulnerable students with a particular focus on promoting reading and literacy, gender equality, and environmental protection, while strengthening ties between schools and communities. Through this event, SNEA-B seeks to demonstrate that teachers are not merely part of the educational system, but skilled professionals who innovate, adapt, and develop solutions to the challenges they encounter in their schools and classrooms. The SNEA-B aims to shine a light on what teachers accomplish every day and the positive impact they have on their students, schools, and communities. 

3.   The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU)

The UNATU WTD initiative will unfold in a two-phase celebration. The first, “Things teachers want the public to know about being a teacher in Uganda”, will provide teachers with a platform to share their perspectives on the profession they have chosen, including its responsibilities, its contribution to society, and the realities that shape their daily work. The responses will be reviewed and compiled into a national online advocacy resource, helping to raise public awareness and deepen understanding of the teaching profession in Uganda. The second phase will focus on training and supporting UNATU members while laying the foundation for a comprehensive UNATU Teachers’ Information Toolkit. The questions teachers raise, areas where they seek greater understanding, and the practical information and tools they identify as most valuable will help shape the toolkit.

The 2026 World Teachers’ Day also marks the 60^th anniversary of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. As the CTF/FCE and Education International celebrate this anniversary, the Norm Goble Award is a reminder of the solidarity that connects teacher organizations around the world and of their shared commitment to strengthening the profession and public education.

About the Norm Goble World Teachers’ Day Award

The award honours Dr. Norman Goble, who served as the CTF/FCE Secretary General from 1970 to 1982 and played a pivotal role in establishing World Teachers’ Day in 1994. Dr. Goble’s work continues to inspire the global education community, and the CTF/FCE is committed to supporting partner organizations that carry on this legacy by celebrating teachers and advocating for public education.

About the Canadian Teachers’ Federation 

Founded in 1920, the CTF/FCE is a national alliance of provincial and territorial teachers’ organizations that represent over 370,000 teachers and education workers across Canada. The CTF/FCE is also an affiliate of Education International, which represents more than 33-million educators.

Media Contact

Nika Quintao, Director of Public Affairs (CTF/FCE) 
nquintao@ctf-fce.ca  
613-688-4319