The paper presents a history of the 1966 United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)/International Labour Organisation (ILO) recommendation concerning the status of teachers. It spans the years 1945-1966, explaining how the recommendation evolved into the present text designed to improve teacher status and working conditions, improve educational standards, provide more professional freedom for teachers, and encourage unity. The paper examines: (1) the work and contributions of the World Confederation of Organisations of the Teaching Profession (WCOTP); (2) the role of the ILO; (3) collaboration among United Nations bodies; and (4) the role of the International Bureau of Education. In the 1960s, UNESCO and ILO prepared a draft paper covering all professional, economic, and social problems of teachers. Two appendices offer a chronology of international events from 1874-1966 and the recommendation concerning the status of teachers adopted in October 1966. (SM)