World Teacher Day
October 5
In the United States, surveys reveal that teachers are second only to military personal as the occupation that contributes most to society’s well-being. A University of Pennsylvania study found that 33% of teachers leave within the first three years of beginning their careers and 46% leave within the first five. The numbers have been increasing since the late 1980s. Teachers make 14% less than people in other professions that require similar levels of education. On average, teachers work an average of 10 hours per day and 52 hours per week. In 2007–08, about 76% of public school teachers were female, 44% were under age 40, and 52% had a master’s degree or higher. In private schools, 74% were female, 39% were under the age of 40, and 38% had a master’s or higher.
National Storytelling Day
October 5
Storytelling is ancient. Experts say this communication form is as old as human language. The first men used storytelling to make sense of their life and share knowledge. You can see examples of this old form of communication in the caves of Lascaux. There, the first homo sapiens expressed stories through wall paintings. From the early stages of their young lives, children use storytelling in their play sessions. According to a study, 65% of our daily conversations are based on storytelling. More than half of all Hollywood movies follow essentially the same plot known as the ‘hero’s journey.’ Scientists think that this narrative structure is deeply embedded into our collective psyche and may have helped our ancestors build trust and teach morality.
Today’s Birthdays of Note….
Kate Winslet – Actress – born in Reading, United Kingdom
Bernie Mac – Comedian & Actor – born in Chicago, Illinois
