Happy Teachers' Day to All Our Teachers!

Today is a meaningful day when we honor our teachers, who not only impart knowledge to us but also guide our lives and illuminate our path.

On this special occasion of Teachers' Day, we should once again remember the inspiring leadership left to us by the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who, with his title of Head Teacher and his educational reforms, bequeathed us a legacy that continues to inspire.

Atatürk’s role as Head Teacher was not just a symbolic title, but a reflection of his determination to implement profound changes in education. The opening of the People’s Schools on November 24, 1928, and the granting of the title of "Head Teacher" to Atatürk, demonstrate how deeply he understood the importance of education for the independence of the nation. 

The Alphabet Reform and Atatürk's Role

Atatürk aimed to increase literacy by introducing the new Turkish alphabet. However, the most remarkable aspect of this process was that he personally traveled from village to village, teaching the new alphabet to the people, like a teacher. The photographs of him at the blackboard show that he was not just a leader, but also a teacher.

 "In June 1928, Mustafa Kemal asked Falih Rıfkı Atay, who introduced the alphabet after the work of the Turkish Alphabet Commission, 'What do you think about applying the new script?'  

Falih Rıfkı replied, 'There are two suggestions: one long-term for fifteen years, and one short-term for five years.'  

Atatürk looked at Falih Rıfkı and said, 'This can be done in three months, or not at all.'"  

(Ergun Aksungur - *Atatürk’s Life and Memories in Pictures*, 2010) 

Belief in Equal Educational Opportunities

Atatürk particularly emphasized that young people living in rural areas should not be deprived of education. This understanding, which laid the foundations of the Village Institutes, shows his unwavering belief in the principle of "equality in education."

Nejat Eczacıbaşı, speaking about the Village Institutes at a conference in San Francisco, remarked that it was unprecedented in the world for a 10-year-old educational institution to have generated thousands of writings, dozens of books, and even doctoral theses. This is a clear indication of the lasting and profound impact of the Village Institutes. 

Sensitivity Towards Women’s Education

Atatürk believed that educating women was essential for the development of society. By saying, "It is mothers who educate a society," he strengthened the role of female teachers and the education of girls.

Mujgan Cunbur’s article on this subject clearly and concisely explains Atatürk’s sensitivity toward women's education.

https://atamdergi.gov.tr/tam-metin-pdf/552/tur

 Atatürk entrusted teachers with the responsibility of shaping the future of the nation, saying, "Teachers, the new generation will be your work."

While honoring the memory of Head Teacher Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, we express our gratitude for the indelible marks left by our teachers in our lives.

Especially in abroad, our teachers working as volunteers in Atatürk Schools, such as those at TACA, provide invaluable service by teaching our children Turkish and Turkish culture.

All the past and present teachers of Atatürk Schools have worked and continue to work selflessly to pass on our language and culture to new generations, helping raise individuals who are connected to their roots.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to all of them for their invaluable efforts and wish a happy Teachers' Day to my mother Pakize, my father Mustafa Vurdum, and all our teachers.

With all my belief in a future that will be changed through education, many more Teachers' Days to come! 

 

Vildan Görener

TACA President