writer – jotsna jari 

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 all over the world play 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. 

Importance :  

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 continuous education for teachers.

The commemoration 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.

UNESCO : 

World Teachers’ Day is held annually on 5 October to celebrate all teachers around the globe.  It commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, which sets benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers, and standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, and teaching and learning conditions. The Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel was adopted in 1997 to complement the 1966 Recommendation by covering teaching personnel in higher education. World Teachers’ Day has been celebrated since 1994.

It is a day to celebrate how teachers are transforming education but also to reflect on the support they need to fully deploy their talent and vocation, and to rethink the way ahead for the profession globally

World Teachers’ Day is co-convened in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNICEF and Education International (EI).

Celebrations : 

Being a teacher provides the unique opportunity to make a transformative and lasting impact on the lives of others, contributing to shaping sustainable futures and offering personal fulfilment. However, the world faces an unprecedented global teacher shortage exacerbated by a decline in their working conditions and status.

With the theme “The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage”, the 2023 celebrations will aim to put the importance of stopping the decline in the number of teachers and then starting to increase that number at the top of the global agenda. Through various activities, it will advocate for a dignified and valued teaching profession, analyse their challenges, and showcase inspiring practices to attract, retain and motivate teachers and educators. It will also examine the ways in which education systems, societies, communities, and families recognise, appreciate, and actively support teachers.

🔹 Why is there a worldwide deficit of 69 million teachers?

There are several factors causing the shortage of teachers, chief of which is the huge demand for education from a growing school-age population. The shortage of teachers is most acute in Africa and Southern Asia, where enrolment numbers are soaring as a result of demographic change and the efforts to promote greater equality, which means that more girls and women are pursuing an education and, increasingly so, at a higher level. In addition, the profession has difficulty attracting, recruiting and retaining new talent as it suffers from a rather low status and a social standing which does not correspond with the importance attached to the profession. In short, teachers are too few, classrooms are too crowded, and teachers are overworked, demotivated and unsupported. 

🔹 How does UNESCO work to address this problem?

UNESCO works with countries by helping them strengthen their capacities to assess teaching needs and develop strong, evidence-based policies in relation to teacher recruitment, deployment, management, and professional development. It applies international normative instruments: the UNESCO/ILO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers (1966) and the UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher Education Teaching Personnel (1997) with a committee of experts (CEART) who meet every three years to monitor them. 

UNESCO also supports Member States by providing policy advice and technical assistance, including the development of tools and guidelines, and opportunities for knowledge exchange and policy learning in the 9 domains of its Teacher Policy Development Guide. It enables teacher mobility through six regional conventions on the recognition of higher education qualifications and study credits. An example of successful support for the development and implementation of national teacher policies in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Malawi and Uganda was the multi-stakeholder Norwegian Teacher Initiative, funded by Norad and jointly implemented by UNESCO together with seven partner organizations. In addition to supporting national education authorities to enhance teacher policies and practices, the project promoted social dialogue and teacher participation in the policy formulation. The initiative also aimed at reinforcing the coordination among key international organizations and national actors working on teacher policies, providing valuable lessons at multi-stakeholder policy processes.  

UNESCO also works with teacher education institutions, with which it partners to make professional development opportunities available to the most underserved teachers and education personnel. As part of the COVID-19 response, UNESCO launched the Global Teacher Campus to provide teacher training in emerging fields like social and emotional learning, digital skills and the pedagogical use of technologies.  

One important area of support regards the participation of teachers in educational decision-making, from the classroom to the policy level. It enhances the capacity of teacher organizations to participate effectively in social dialogue with national governments and provides guidance on teachers’ career structure through its International Institute for Educational Planning, and capacity-building for teachers in Africa through its International Institute for Capacity building in Africa.

    

🔹 What is the International Teacher Task Force for Education 2030?

UNESCO hosts and serves as Head of the Secretariat of the International Task Force on Teachers for Education 2030 (TTF). Created in 2008, as part of the Oslo Declaration and hosted by UNESCO at its Paris Headquarters, the TTF is a unique global independent alliance of over 150 members working to narrow the gap in terms of the quantity of teachers and the quality of teaching practice. UNESCO and the TTF advocate for teaching to remain on the top of the education agenda, advocating for adequate policies and increased financing. The TTF supports teachers through knowledge production and dissemination, advocacy and national and regional policy learning. Its flagship Knowledge Platform is a curated one-stop shop on teacher policy-making and development which showcases quality resources, blogs and initiatives, and is a venue for knowledge exchange and collaboration.  

🔹 How does UNESCO support building the capacity of teachers?

UNESCO works with Member States and international partners to implement dedicated programmes supporting the capacity development of existing teacher education and training institutions, drawing on the use of technology-supported solutions such as open and distance learning and teaching innovations. These projects include: 

“Enhancing Teacher Education for Bridging the Education Quality Gap in Africa” supported by the Chinese Funds-in-Trust;  

“Capacity Building of Teacher Trainers and Teachers in Support of Curriculum” with the support of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Award for Distinguished Academic Performance of the United Arab Emirates; 

“Improving Teacher Support and Participation in Local Education Groups,” a project supported by the Global Partnership for Education and implemented jointly by UNESCO and Education International. 

UNESCO, Members States and international partners meet every two years at the international Teacher Policy Dialogue Forum, hosted by the International Task Force on Teachers for Education 2030, to review progress made and exchange good practices in capacity development.  

BRIEF HISTORY :  

Political and educational leaders began discussions for a day to honor teachers in 1944. In 1953, Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim National Teachers’ Day. Congress declared March 7, 1980, as National Teacher Day. The National Education Association continued to observe National Teacher Day on the first Tuesday in March until 1985. The National PTA established Teacher Appreciation Week as the first full week of May when the NEA Representative Assembly voted to make the Tuesday of that week National Teacher Day.

NATIONAL TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY : 

National Teacher Appreciation Day is on the Tuesday during first full week in May as a reminder to show appreciation for teachers everywhere. We are using this National Day to say thank you to all teachers for their time and dedication to educate our children. 

#TEACHERAPPRECIATIONDAY

National Teacher Appreciation Day is also known as National Teacher Day. The National Education Association describes National Teacher Day “as a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives.”

Teachers play a critical role in educating and shaping our children into the future leaders of our country. These kind, patient, hard-working, dedicated, and understanding professionals help mold our children and guide them in positive directions. We entrust our children with teachers during the school year and they play a pivotal role in their lives daily.

No matter where we are in life, a teacher influenced us. They continue to impact our lives every day, too! When we meet new employees with a wealth of skills and abilities, know a teacher helped shaped them. Every new business owner, doctor, engineer, or nurse can name a teacher who inspired them. Every one of us has at least one teacher in mind who encouraged and motivated us during our education. Take the time today to say “Thank You” to the exceptional teachers you know. Take a moment and reflect on the teachers in your life.

SHOW A TEACHER GRATITUDE : 

Refill classroom supplies. Many teachers stock their classrooms with the supplies they need to effectively teach. However, many teacher buy supplies out of their own pockets. Replenishing crayons, pencils, or construction paper is a small token of appreciation for a teacher.

    Write a letter showing your support for your child’s favorite teacher. Kind words are a small way to encourage a teacher by reminding them the impact they are making in the lives of students.

    Volunteering at your school is a way to give teachers a much needed break. Every day, schools rely on parent support for many programs to succeed. For instance, volunteering to be a cross-walker before and after school or a playground monitor relieves a teacher from those duties.

    Use #TeacherAppreciationDay or #NationalTeachersDay to post on social media. 

Happy Teachers Day Messages for 2023 : 

“Each and everything you taught us has helped us in many ways to live life and to be successful in life…. I am thankful to you for all your teachings and I wish you a Happy Teacher’s Day.”

“The best teacher is the one who knows how to bring out the best in his student and I must say that I am very fortunate to have you as my teacher…. Best wishes on Teacher’s Day.”

“To the teacher who made difficult chapters so easy to learn, boring lectures so interesting to hear…. Wishing you a very Happy Teacher’s Day!!!”

“All the success that I have earned today is because of you…. Thanks for all your teachings and guidance, faith and support…. Happy Teacher’s Day sir.” 

“It is true that the fate of the student depends a lot on the kind of teacher he gets in life and I must say that I have been very lucky…. Happy Teacher’s Day.”

“It is kind of strange for a student to say this but each day I used to look forward for your lectures because they were so full of knowledge and hope…. Best wishes on Teacher’s Day.”

“On the occasion of Teacher’s Day¸ I want to thank you for seeing the spark in me and supporting me through the most difficult times of my life…. Happy Teacher’s Day to you.”

“When I think of a teacher, you are the only one I think of you….. Whatever you have taught me for all these years has made me successful…. Warm wishes on Teacher’s Day.”

“Whatever I know today is all because of you….. you know how to put forward knowledge to students so that they absorb it with utmost ease…. Happy Teacher’s Day.”

“To the teacher who is very special…. I wish a very warm and Happy Teacher’s Day…. You are truly the biggest source of inspiration for me.”

“When I was aimless in life, you connected me with my goals and directed me to work hard to achieve them…. Best wishes on Teacher’s Day to the best teacher.”

“You are the most selfless and patient teacher I have ever come across and these qualities make you the most special teacher…. Happy Teacher’s Day to you.”

Thank You Messages for Teachers Day

“With all my heart, I thank the teacher who saw the potential in me and supported me to become what I am today…. Happy Teacher’s Day.”

“You are the only teacher I have ever looked up to…. I thank you for understanding me and guiding me towards my goals…. Best wishes on Teacher’s Day.”

“There is so much more to life when you have a good teacher by your side and I realized that when I found you…. Thanks for everything and Happy Teacher’s Day.”

“I thank you with all my heart for being my biggest mentor and support…. Best wishes on Teacher’s Day to you for being a guru I really needed to move ahead in life.”

Teacher’s Day Whatsapp Status

“You put in all the efforts to shape my future when I was not even aware of it….. Happy Teacher’s Day!!!”

“If you have a committed and promising teacher with you then no one can stop you from being successful in life…. Happy Teacher’s Day.”

“Finding a good teacher is fate but working hard with that teacher is your choice…. Happy Teacher’s Day.”

“God send teachers to our lives to help us make something good out of our talent and life…. Cheers to all the inspiring teachers!!!”  

FAQs  :  World Teacher’s Day  2023 

1.  Why is World Teachers Day celebrated on 5th October?

Ans:-   UNESCO proclaimed 5 October to be World Teachers’ Day in 1994, celebrating the great step made for teachers on 5 October 1966, when a special intergovernmental conference convened by UNESCO in Paris adopted the UNESCO/ILO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, in cooperation with the ILO.

2.  Why is World Teachers Day celebrated?

Ans:-  It commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, which sets benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers, and standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, and teaching and learning …

3.  Which day is celebrated as World Teacher’s Day?

Ans:- Putting all of this together, UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) proclaimed that the first World Teachers’ Day would be celebrated on October 5, 1994.

4.  What is the theme for World Teachers Day 2023?

Ans:-  The World Teachers Day 2023 will be observed on Thursday, October 5, 2023 with the theme ‘The Transformation of Education Begins with Teachers’.

5.  Who is the first teacher in the world?

Ans:-  Confucius is thought to have been the world’s first teacher. He was a private tutor who taught history. Previously, only the royal or noble classes had access to education. Confucius, on the other hand, changed this perception and taught anyone who was willing to learn.

6.  What is the history of teachers Day ?

Ans:-  1962: Institution of Teacher’s Day in India, yearly celebrated at 5 September, Radhakrishnan’s birthday, in honour of Radhakrishnan’s belief that “teachers should be the best minds in the country”.

7.  What is the importance of the World Teachers Day?

Ans:-  World Teachers Day is hugely important to show teachers that they are appreciated, encourage more individuals to become teachers and raise awareness about the problems within the field. Change may be initiated because of the discussions and support that teachers receive on this day of celebration.

8.   World Teachers’ Day: Theme for 2023

Ans:-  COVID-19 has caused unprecedented disruption to education across the world, posing many challenges to the teaching community. Keeping this in view, the United Nations has decided to celebrate World Teachers’ Day on the theme “Teachers at the heart of education recovery”.

9.  What day of the week will World teacher Appreciation Day be on next year 2023 )?

Ans:-  In 2023, Teachers’ Day will be celebrated on Friday, October 27th. Is it World Teachers Day? World Teachers’ Day (International Teachers Day) is celebrated on 5 October each year. This year: Thursday 5 October 2023.

10.  How to celebrate the Teachers’ Day  in 2023

Say ‘Thank You’ to Your Teacher. … 

Interact With Them Personally. … 

Throw a Party for Them. … 

Express Love and Respect to Them. … 

Express Gratitude Through Social Media. … 

Plan a Role Reversal Activity. … 

Ask Teachers if They Need Your Help. … 

Classroom Decorations.

11.  What is your definition of teacher?

Ans:-  A teacher is a person, who provides education for people; one who teaches or instructs. The role of teacher is often formal and ongoing, carried out at a school or other place of formal education.

12.  Who is a teacher and his role?

Ans:-  What defines a teacher is his/her ability to teach students and a positive influence on them. Generally, the role of a teacher in education goes beyond teaching. In today’s world, teaching has different faces, and a teacher has to carry out the part of being an external parent, counselor, mentor, role model, and so on.

13.   Who is a teacher in life?

Ans:-  A teacher is the one who will help you become a better person and an informed one. Moreover, they see the potential of their students when no one else can. Teachers also decide the fate of a nation as the youth is in their hands.

14.   What is the full form of teacher?

Ans:-   TEACHER: Talented- Educated-Adorable-Charming-Helpful-Encouraging-Responsible.