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Vice President John Dramani Mahama says government will continue to work hard to give teachers their due this is because their value in training children cannot be measured. Speaking at the 2011 National Best Teachers Awards Day at Takoradi in the Western Region, Vice President Mahama said government has so far eliminated 1,200 schools under trees. He said this year another 1,000 schools have been awarded on contract to further eliminate more schools under trees. The Vice President also disclosed that over one million exercise books have been distributed to school children. He congratulated all teachers on their tireless efforts in education delivery to help in the development of Ghana. Otu Abankwa Joshua from Garden City Special Sch, Kumasi in Ashanti Region won the overall Best Teacher for 2011. He took home a three bedroom house, laptop and a set of computer and printer for his school. Some teachers have also been sharing their excitement and concerns on this day. Dina Dzakpasu teaches at Methodist School at Gbawe in Accra. She told Radio Ghana that though she is happy about the day, she wished it had been declared a national holiday. She also complained about the mode of selection of teachers for the honours and the need to expand the scope of the awards to the circuit level. On the occasion of National Teachers Day, the various political parties have been sending goodwill messages to all teachers, and outlining their vision and policies for teachers. The General Secretary of the People's National Convention, PNC, Bernard Mornarh, says teachers deserve commendation for all their sacrifices. He indicated that the PNC has an elaborate agenda to improve and expand infrastructure at all Educational institutions especially Colleges of Education. Mr Mornarh noted that teacher�s remuneration will not be left out. A senior lecturer at the University of Education Winneba, Opanyin Kwabena Ankomah Appiah, has also appealed to teachers to acknowledge the purpose for which they were called into the teaching service. He has also called on teachers to be dedicated to the profession and work with enthusiasm. Speaking to Radio Ghana on World Teachers Day celebration, Mr Ankomah Appiah noted that more needs to be done about the recognition and motivation given to teachers considering the knowledge they impart to students from primary through to the tertiary level. He advised all parents, guardians as well as stakeholders to assist teachers and management of schools to bring up and nurture children properly to enable them to become responsible citizens to their families, society and the nation.