World Teachers’ Day
World Teachers' Day, also referred to as International Teachers' Day, is observed annually on October 5th .
It is a day that celebrates the incredible role that teachers play all over the world and their important contribution to society.
World Teachers' Day is a United Nations observance and not a public holiday. As such, schools and businesses operate as normal.
World Teachers' Day is a global celebration and should not be confused with Teachers' Day, which is celebrated on the first Tuesday of May and forms part of Teacher Appreciation Week.
What is World Teachers' Day
World Teachers' Day is a United Nations (UN) observance that was first recognized in 1994 by UNESCO.
It is celebrated on October 5 to commemorate the signing of the 1966 UNESCO/ILO Recommendations.
It ensures the standards, rights, and responsibilities for teachers across the globe, concerning matters such as employment, working conditions, initial training, and continuing education for teachers.
The celebration is a collaboration between UNICEF, the International Labor Organization, and Education International.
The Role of Teachers in Shaping the Future
Teachers educate people of all ages in various subjects and require proper standards to safeguard and support them in making a positive impact both inside and outside the classroom and within their communities.
By raising awareness of the importance of teaching and the current issues affecting teachers, the hope is that it will in turn improve the quality of education.
The Annual Teachers' Day Theme
Each year, Teachers' Day is celebrated with a different theme, as set by UNESCO. In 2023, World Teachers' Day will have the theme "The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage".
The themes from previous years were:
- 2017 - “Teaching in Freedom, Empowering Teachers”
- 2018 - “The right to education means the right to a qualified teacher”
- 2019 - "Young Teachers: The Future of the Profession"
- 2020 - “Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future”
- 2021 - "Teachers at the heart of education recovery"
- 2022- "The transformation of education begins with teachers"
How to celebrate World Teachers' Day
Students can celebrate this day by expressing gratitude and appreciation for their teachers in many ways.
From handmade gifts to writing a simple quote or a sincere message to your favorite teacher or a flower from your home's garden can go a long way.
Traditional gifts include apples, which have been given to teachers for many years as a sign of appreciation.
While the rest of the world celebrates World Teachers' Day on October 5th, it is worth noting that in Australia it is observed slightly later on the last Friday of the same month.
Some countries, such as India, also celebrate and recognize a day nationally, just as the US celebrates Teachers' Day in May each year.
In India, Teachers' Day is celebrated on September 5 as it commemorates the birthday of former president Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was born on September 5, 1888.
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