In some countries, ‘Teachers’ Days’ are intended to be special days for the appreciation of teachers.World Teachers’ Day is celebrated across the world on October 5. Ever since the importance of teachers has been recognized by UNESCO, by adopting the “Recommendation concerning the status of teachers”, World Teachers’ Day has been celebrated annually. [1] This includes celebrations to honor the teachers for their special contribution in a particular field area or the community in general.The idea of celebrating Teacher’s Day took ground independently in many countries during the XX century; in most cases, they celebrate a local educator or an important milestone in education for exampleIndia celebrates Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan‘s birthday on September 5 since 1962[almost all countries celebrate this day on different dates, unlike many other International Days.
By country
|
Country |
Date of Teachers' Day |
Notes |
| Afghanistan | Saur 3 | Schools have a holiday, but students and teachers gather to celebrate at schools with special traditional food, cookies, music and presents to the teachers |
| Albania | March 7 | In 1887, the first secular school which taught lessons in Albanian was opened on this day in the small city of Korçë. All schools had previously functioned under the supervision of the Catholic Church in northern and middle Albania; the Orthodox Church in the south did not allow any Albanian schools. |
| Australia | Last Friday in October | On Australia’s celebration of World Teachers’ Day, the NEiTA Foundation and the Australian Scholarships Group (ASG) is proud to announce the national teaching recipients of the ASG Community Merit Awards. World Teachers’ Day was started by UNESCO and is celebrated in more than 100 countries around the world each year. On its 40th anniversary this year, it represents a significant token of the awareness, understanding, and appreciation displayed for the vital contribution that teachers make to education. |
| Bhutan | May 2 | Established and marked on the birth anniversary of the third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who introduced modern education in the country. |
| Brazil | October 15 | A decree regulating the elementary schools in Brazil. The celebration gained popularity throughout the country, and October 15 was officially designated Teachers' Day in 1963.[4] |
| Colombia | May 15 | This day marks the appointment of San Juan Bautista de la Salle as the patron of teachers. The story was in 1950 when Pope Pius XII granted this approval for championing the causes of modern education. The holy founder understood the education of children as an obligation of all. Usually in schools of his time (1651–1719) only accept young people towards politics or diplomacy. Juan Bautista said the principle of free and universal education. That same year in Colombia, the President of the Republic declared that date as Teacher’s Day. |
| China (Mainland) | September 10 | In the People’s Republic of China, there are some activities for the students to show their appreciation to the teachers, such as presenting gifts including cards and flowers. |
| India | September 5 | It is the birthday [5 September 1888 ],of the second President of India, academic philosopher Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan. It is considered a “celebration” day, where teachers and students report to school as usual but the usual activities and classes are replaced by activities of celebration, thanks and remembrance. At some schools on this day, the responsibility of teaching is taken up by the senior students to show appreciation for their teachers. |
| Malaysia | May 16 | This date was chosen because on the same day in 1956, the Federal Legislative Council of the Federation of Malaya endorsed the Razak Report, one of four reports of the Education Committee regarding education in Malaysia. The document, known as the Razak Report after Tun Abdul Razak who was Education Minister at the time, became the basis of education in Malaysia ever since. Although it is not an official school holiday, celebrations are usually held on May 16, or earlier, if it falls on a Saturday or Sunday. |
| Singapore | First Friday of September | An official school holiday. Celebrations are normally conducted the day before, where students usually get half a day off. |
| Turkey | November 24 | Mustafa Kemal Atatürk thought and stated that “New generation will be created by teachers.” . Atatürk was also considered as Prime Teacher (Turkish: Başöğretmen), because he adopted a new alphabet for the newly founded Turkish Republic on 1923. |
