Education Minister Mike Bernier released the following statement on World Teachers’ Day:

“Today we celebrate World Teachers’ Day by honouring the countless contributions teachers make in and out of the classroom every single day. Teachers in our province are playing a vital role in helping to give B.C. students a head start on future success.

“Our students are making great achievements in music, academics, sports – and every subject in between. The credit for this goes to the many skilled, professional and dedicated teachers guiding our students. And the results are clear – B.C.’s education system is ranked first in the English-speaking world for outcomes in reading, science and mathematics.

“With the help of our teachers, British Columbia’s education system is continuing to evolve to meet the needs of students and families in a changing world. Teachers helped develop the new hands-on curriculum and are, in large part, responsible for the great changes happening in schools throughout the province.

“Students in kindergarten to Grade 9 are now learning the Province’s new curriculum, and next year grade 10-12 students will do the same. The new curriculum is a huge step for education in B.C. – giving students the tools they need to be successful.

“Our teachers are the backbone of B.C.’s strong and thriving education system, providing every student the opportunity to be the best they can. Today and every day, I am grateful to B.C.’s teachers for their continued dedication and support.”