Teachers' Day

In many 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.

History

The idea of celebrating... Teacher's Day took ground independently in many countries during the 20th century; in most cases, they celebrate a local educator or an important milestone in education (for example, Argentina celebrates Domingo Faustino Sarmiento's death on September 11 since 1915,^[2] while India celebrates Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan's birthday on September 5 since 1962^[3]). These two factors explain why almost all countries celebrate this day on different dates, unlike many other International Days.

By country

Country	Date of Teachers' Day	Notes
Afghanistan	Oct 5	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.
Algeria	February 28
Argentina	September 11	To honor the work of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento after he died.
Armenia	First Sunday in October
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.
Azerbaijan	October 5	Between 1965 and 1994, the first Sunday of October. Since 1994, on October 5, it has coincided with the World Teachers' Day (est. 1994 by UNESCO).
Bangladesh	October 4
Bahrain	February 28
Belarus	First Sunday of October
Brunei Darussalam	September 23	To commemorate the birth date of the 28th ruler of Brunei, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, also known as the 'Architect of Modern Brunei' who amongst others had emphasized on the importance of education to his subjects by introducing policy of 'free' education whereby the citizens are charged very nominal fees for attending schools. This policy have now been followed by the current 29th ruler who have since extended the policy further.
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.
Bolivia	June 6
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.
Bulgaria	October 5	On 29.09.2006, October 5 was recognized as Teacher's Day by the government.[4]
Chile	October 16	In 1967, September 11 was chosen as "Día del Maestro" ("Teacher's Day"). The date was moved to December 10 in 1975, because on that day in 1945, the Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral received the Nobel Prize. In 1977, the date was renamed to "Día del Profesor" (also "Teacher's Day") and was moved again, to October 16, to honor the founding of the Colegio de Profesores de Chile (Teachers' Association of Chile).[5]
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	September 10	In the People's Republic of China (PRC), there are some activities for the students to show their appreciation to teachers, such as presenting gifts including cards and flowers. In addition, many former students will go back to their old middle schools and high schools to give presents to their old teachers.
Czech Republic	March 28	The birthday of John Amos Comenius. Czech students nominate the teachers whose approach most motivates and inspires them to the competition Zlatý Ámos (Golden Amos). The coronation of "Golden Amos" take place yearly on March 28.[6][7]
Ecuador	April 13	Celebrated on this date in honor to Juan Montalvo, Ecuadorian teacher who planted in young minds the seeds of development.
Egypt	February 28
El Salvador	June 22	Observed as a national holiday.[8][9]
Estonia	October 5
Germany	October 5
Guatemala	June 25	It's a celebration in honor of the teacher Maria Chinchilla who died during violent actions at a riot against the government.
Hong Kong	September 10	Before 1997, Teachers' Day was on September 28, following the tradition from the Republic of China since the 1950s. After the handover to the People's Republic of China, the day was changed to September 10, which is when the PRC celebrates the holiday.
Hungary	First Sunday of June
India	September 5	It is the birthday [5 September 1888 ],of the second President of India, academic philosopher Dr. Sarvepalli 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.
Indonesia	November 25	National Teachers' Day is commemorated on the same day as the birthday of the Indonesian Teachers' Association, the PGRI. National Teachers' Day in not a holiday, and it is celebrated by having a ceremonial activity in recognition of certain teachers, head masters, and school staff.
Iran	May 2	Commemorating the martyrdom of Dr. Morteza Motahari on May 2, 1979.
Iraq	March 1
Jamaica	May 6	Teachers' Day is normally celebrated on May 6 or the first Wednesday in May.[10] In celebration of Teachers' Day, it is common for students and parents to bring teachers gifts. Additionally, most schools are closed early (half-day).
Jordan	February 28
Laos	October 7
Lithuania	October 5	Between 1965 and 1994, the first Sunday of October. Since 1994, on October 5, to coincide with the World Teachers' Day (est. 1994 by UNESCO).
Lebanon	March 9	Between March 3 and March 9.
Libya	February 28
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.
Mexico	May 15
Republic of Moldova	October 5
Mongolia	First weekend of February
Morocco	February 28
Nepal	Full moon day of nepali month Ashad	The full moon day is also called 'Ashad sukla purnima' and the day usually falls in mid-July. Teacher's day is called "Guru Purnima" in Nepali. Students pay homage to the teachers, offer them foods and flowers and receive blessings from the teacher. "Guru devo bhava:" a Sanskrit phrase with meaning "Teacher is God" is still widely accpeted. Teachers are given the highest degree of respect.
Netherlands	October 5[11]
New Zealand	October 29	In 2010 teachers are being encouraged to march against recent cuts in govt ECE funding by marching in Auckland on Sunday 31st.
Oman	February 28
Pakistan	October 5	It recognizes the importance of teachers and attributes progress to the quality of teachers in Pakistan's Educational System.
Panama	December 1	To commemorate the birth date of Manuel José Hurtado, who is known as the father of Panamanian education due to his promotion of modern universal education through the establishment of the first public schools and teachers' colleges in what is know Panama—then part of Colombia, aiming to break the vicious cycle of ignorance and poverty that ailed the vast majority of the population. He went on to be named Director-general of Public Instruction of the State of the Isthmus.[12]
Paraguay	April 30
Peru	July 6	During the independence of Peru, libertador don José de San Martín founded the first Normal School for Men by means of a resolution passed by Marquis of Torre-Tagle on July 6, 1822. Many years later, on 1953, the then president Manuel A. Odría decreed Teachers' Day to be commemorated on the 6 of July.[13]
Philippines	October 5	By Presidential Proclamation No. 479 [14] to honor more than 500,000 teachers nationwide. However, in the Philippines Teachers' Day is actually celebrated in schools between the months of September and October (mainly elementary and secondary levels). Teachers are presented with orchid corsages by students. Groups of students representing various grade levels perform short skits or song and dance numbers, or read poetry for their teachers in front of fellow schoolmates in school-wide activities. These activities are planned by senior students in the Student Council who coordinate the activities well in advance. For Filipino-Chinese schools, a program is usually organized by students for teachers on September 27, while September 28, considered as the actual Teachers' Day, is a school holiday where both teachers and students are allowed to rest. September 28 was chosen because it is known as the birthday of famous Chinese philosopher Confucius.[15]
Poland	October 14	On this day is the anniversary of creation the Commission of National Education, created in 1773 from the initiative of King Stanisław August Poniatowski
Qatar	October 5
Romania	October 5
Russia	October 5	Between 1965 and 1994, the first Sunday of October. Since 1994, on October 5, to coincide with the World Teachers' Day (est. 1994 by UNESCO).
Saudi Arabia	February 28
Serbia	October 5
Singapore	First Friday of September	An official school holiday. Celebrations are normally conducted the day before, where students usually get half a day off.
Slovakia	March 28	The birth date of John Amos Comenius.
South Korea	May 15 since 1963 in Seoul and 1964 in Chunju city	Originally it was started by a group of red-cross youth team members who visited their sick ex-teachers at hospitals. The national celebration ceremony had been stopped between 1973 and 1982 and it resumed after that. On the celebration day, teachers are usually presented with carnations by their students, and both enjoy a shorter school day. Ex-students pay their respects to the former teachers by visiting them and handing a carnation. Many schools now close on Teachers' Day because of the rampant bribery implicit in the expensive gifts often given to teachers. Schools can use the day to have an outing for the teachers.
Sri Lanka	October 6
Spain	January 29
Syria	March 18[citation needed]
Taiwan	September 28	Taiwan uses this day to honor teachers' virtues, struggles, and contribution not only to their own students but also to society in general. People often make use of the day to express their gratitude to their teachers, such as paying them a visit or sending them a card. This date was chosen to commemorate the birth of Confucius, believed to be the model master educator in ancient China. In 1939, the Ministry of Education established the national holiday as August 27, the attributed birthday of Confucius. In 1952, the Executive Yuan changed it to September, stating that it was calculated to be the precise date in the Gregorian calendar. The festival celebration occurs in the temples of Confucius around the island, known as the "Grand Ceremony Dedicated to Confucius" (祭孔大典). The ceremony begins at 6 AM with drum beats. 54 musicians dress in robes with blue belts, 36 (or 64) dancers dress in yellow with green belts. They are led by Confucius's chief descendant (currently Kung Tsui-chang) and followed by ceremonial officers. Three animals—the cow, the goat, and the pig—are sacrificed. The hairs plucked from these sacrificed animals are called the Hairs of Wisdom. In addition, local education institutes and civil offices award certain teachers for their excellence and positive influence.
Thailand	January 16	Adopted as Teachers' Day in Thailand by a resolution of the government on November 21, 1956. The first Teachers' Day was held in 1957. Most Thai schools close for the day, but many international schools in the country don't recognise this day. There are very few public or official commemorations. It's just to give the teachers a well-deserved break during the long second term in Thai schools.
Tunisia	February 28
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 in 1923.
Ukraine	the first Sunday of October	At schools across the country, Teacher's Day is celebrated the Friday before the holiday with "concerts" and gatherings, while students usually give their teachers gifts such as flowers and chocolate. On the holiday itself, many teachers celebrate with their families and friends at home or at restaurants or cafes.
United Arab Emirates	February 28
United States	National Teacher Day is on Tuesday during Teacher Appreciation Week, which takes place in the first full week of May (May 3, 2011)	Students often show appreciation for their teachers with token gifts (giving teachers presents etc.). The National Education Association describes National Teacher Day as "a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives".[16] The NEA gives a history of National Teacher Day:[16] The origins of Teacher Day are murky. Around 1944 Wisconsin teacher Ryan Krug began corresponding with political and education leaders about the need for a national day to honor teachers. Woodbridge wrote to Eleanor Roosevelt who in 1953 persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim a National Teacher Day. NEA along with its Kansas and Indiana state affiliates and the Dodge City (Kan. ) local lobbied Congress to create a national day celebrating teachers. Congress declared March 7, 1980, as National Teacher Day for that year only. NEA and its affiliates continued to observe Teacher Day on the first Tuesday in March until 1985, when the National PTA established Teacher Appreciation Week as the first full week of May. The NEA Representative Assembly then voted to make the Tuesday of that week National Teacher Day. As of September 7, 1976, September 11 was also adopted as Teachers' Day in the U.S. state of Massachusetts. Currently, Massachusetts sets the first Sunday of June as its own Teachers' Day, annually.
Uzbekistan	October 1
Vietnam	November 20	This holiday allows students to express their respect to their teacher. Students begin preparing a week in advance, and many classes usually prepare literature and art to welcome teachers' day, while other students prepare foods and flowers for the parties held at their schools. Students usually visit their teachers at their homes to offer flowers and small gifts, or organize trips with their teachers and classmates. Former students also pay respect to their former teachers on this day. The holiday has its origins in a meeting between educators in communist bloc nations in Warsaw in 1957. It was first celebrated in 1958 as the Day of the International Manifest of Educators; in 1982 the day was renamed Vietnamese Educators' Day.
Yemen	February 28
Mauritius	October 5

You may note that 12 countries celebrate a common teachers' day on February 28 viz. Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman.

See also

• Teacher's day on the world
• World Teachers' Day
• Teacher's day SMS greetings

References

1. ^ "World Teachers’ Day, October 5". Unesco.org. http://www.unesco.org/en/teacher-education/advocacy/world-teachers-day/. Retrieved 2011-10-02. 
2. ^ "Historia". Jardindeinfantesdfs.com.ar. http://www.jardindeinfantesdfs.com.ar/historia.htm#El%20Maestro%20Argentino:%20Domingo%20F.%20Sarmiento. Retrieved 2011-10-02. 
3. ^ "Teachers day, Teachers Day in India - Presidents abdul speech". Indianchild.com. http://www.indianchild.com/teachers_day_india.htm. Retrieved 2011-10-02. 
4. ^ Анонимен (2006-09-29). "5 октомври е определен за Ден на учителя - Actualno.com". Education.actualno.com. http://education.actualno.com/news_79292.html. Retrieved 2011-10-02. 
5. ^ "Días Nacionales en Chile". September 19, 2010. http://www.farah.cl/Feriados/DiasNacionales.html#DiaDelMaestro. Retrieved October 8, 2010.  (Spanish)
6. ^ "Zlatý Ámos — anketa o nejoblíbenějšího učitele České republiky". Zlatý Ámos. http://www.zlatyamos.cz/. Retrieved November 23, 2008.  (Czech)
7. ^ "Mezinárodní den učitelů a Zlatý Ámos". adam.cz. October 4, 2006. http://www.adam.cz/view.php?cisloclanku=2006100402. Retrieved November 23, 2008.  (Czech)
8. ^ "Nueva Alejandría — Secciones — Maestros Americanos — El Salvador". http://www.nuevaalejandria.com/secciones/maestros-americanos/elsalvador.php. Retrieved 2008-06-22. 
9. ^ "TEACHER APPRECIATION: teacher appreciation poem — Teachers Day — El Salvador". http://www.teacher-appreciation.info/Teachers_Day/El-Salvador.asp. Retrieved 2008-06-22. 
10. ^ "Gleaner gives teachers a break!". http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090506/news/news1.html. Retrieved 2009-05-06. 
11. ^ "Welkom - Dag van de leraar". Dagvandeleraar.nl. http://www.dagvandeleraar.nl. Retrieved 2011-10-02. 
12. ^ "Biografía de Manuel José Hurtado - Educa Panamá, Mi Portal Educativo (Spanish)". Educapanama.edu.pa. 2009-10-07. http://www.educapanama.edu.pa/aritculos/biograf%C3%AD-de-manuel-jos%C3%A9-hurtado. Retrieved 2011-10-02. 
13. ^ Portal Educativo del Perú - Día del Maestro (Spanish) See item: Una fecha con Historia
14. ^ OPS: National Teachers' Day
15. ^ Birthday of Confucius (551-479 B.C.E.) (Perpetual Multicultural Calendar Software)
16. ^ ^{a b} "National Teacher Day". NEA. http://www.nea.org/teacherday/. Retrieved 2011-10-02. 

External links

• Teacher Education on UNESCO's site