Vietnamese Teachers’ Day is an annual celebration held on November 20. This day is a festival for the education sector and is dedicated to honoring those who work in this field. It is an occasion for students of all generations to express their gratitude to their teachers. So, do other countries around the world have a special day dedicated to those who stand at the lectern? Let’s find out.
World Teachers’ Day
First, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization – UNESCO – established October 5 as World Teachers’ Day in 1994, aiming to draw society’s attention to the status of teachers, their role in shaping and developing society, and to mobilize support for educators to ensure that the needs of future generations continue to be met by teachers. Currently, around 100 countries participate in celebrating World Teachers’ Day. Every year, the International Federation of Teachers launches a campaign to raise public awareness and highlight the contributions of the teaching profession. Below are the celebrations of Teachers’ Day in several countries:
United States
The National Education Association (NEA) has designated May 6 each year to honor those who work in the field of education in the United States. In fact, the week leading up to May 6 is also recognized as American Teachers’ Week. Previously, the U.S. Congress held a celebration for teachers on March 7, 1980, but later, the NEA decided to move this date to May. On this day, students express their respect for teachers by giving them commemorative gifts.
India
The second most populous country in the world has designated September 5 to pay respect and gratitude to those in the education sector. On this holiday, although teachers and students still attend school, regular learning activities are replaced by celebration ceremonies and expressions of thanks from students towards teachers. This day is rooted in the birthday of India’s second Prime Minister, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a doctor of philosophy.
South Korea
Teachers’ Day in South Korea originated from a visit by a group of youth members of the Red Cross to their ill former teachers in a hospital. Initially, the South Korean government designated a celebration on May 26, 1963, but changed it to May 15 in 1965. In fact, from 1973 to 1982, this day was not celebrated. On this day, classes typically end early, and students often give their teachers carnations. Some schools allow teachers and students to take the day off because they do not want to witness students giving teachers excessively expensive gifts. Other schools organize outings for teachers.
Russia
The largest country in the world established the first Sunday of October as a day for students to celebrate their teachers from 1965 to 1994. After 1994, the national government decided to commemorate National Teachers’ Day concurrently with World Teachers’ Day.
China
China’s Teachers’ Day honors the virtues and contributions of teachers to society, as well as the hardships they endure in pursuing this profession. In 1939, according to the decision of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of China, Teachers’ Day was to be celebrated on August 27 each year, which many consider to be Confucius’s birthday. It wasn’t until 1952, after careful study of Confucius’s actual birth date, that the government changed the date to September 28.
Poland
November 14 is regarded as Teachers’ Day, also known as National Education Day in Poland. On this day in 1773, King Stanisław Poniatowski established the National Education Commission.
Teachers’ Charter Day in Poland is highly valued by educators and students. Traditionally, students bring fresh bouquets and small gifts to their teachers. They celebrate in various forms at school, organizing gatherings and parties for both teachers and students. Students prepare artistic performances and concerts. This is an occasion for these students to express their gratitude for the efforts of their teachers who have educated them. Parents also come to school with their children to thank the teachers.
Turkey
In Turkey, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on November 24. In this country, the teaching profession is considered sacred and unmatched.
Iran
In Iran, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on May 2. This date was chosen to commemorate the assassination of Iranian professor Ayatollah Morteza Motahhari. This professor made significant contributions to education and was also a famous writer in Iran.
Argentina
Since 1915, Argentina has celebrated Teachers’ Day on September 11, the anniversary of the death of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento – a politician, educator, writer, and President of Argentina (1868-1874). As President, he laid the foundations for the Argentine state by developing the national education system, promoting commerce and agriculture, and encouraging transportation and communication.
Thailand
In Thailand, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on January 16. On this day, all schools give students a day off and organize rallies and cultural performances to welcome the occasion.
Notably, many primary schools hold celebrations with strong religious significance, where monks pray for all teachers, and students present flowers to their teachers.
Brazil
A decree regulating elementary schools in Brazil quickly popularized the celebration nationwide, and October 15, 1963, is officially recognized as Brazilian Teachers’ Day.
Chile
In 1975, December 10 was chosen as Teachers’ Day because Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral won the Nobel Prize on this day in 1945. However, in 1977, Teachers’ Day moved to October 16, the date when the Chilean Teachers’ College (Colegio de Profesores de Chile) was established.
Czech Republic
March 28 each year is Teachers’ Day in the Czech Republic. This day marks the birth of Comenius. Typically, there are no special activities or ceremonies on Teachers’ Day in the Czech Republic, but teachers do exchange gifts with one another.
November 14 is also recognized as Teachers’ Day, also known as National Education Day in Poland. On this day in 1773, King Stanisław Poniatowski established the National Education Commission.
Malaysia
May 16 each year is dedicated to teachers in Malaysia. Teachers’ Day in Malaysia, also known as “Hari Guru”, is celebrated with enthusiasm and anticipation throughout the country.
The celebration of Teachers’ Day in Malaysia dates back to 1956 when the Malaysian Federal Legislative Committee accepted submissions from the country’s Education Committee known as the Razak Report. After consideration, Malaysia established May 16 each year as a day to honor its educators.
Canada
In Canada, National Teacher Appreciation Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of May. This day serves as an opportunity for students, parents, and the community to express gratitude and appreciation for the important role teachers play in shaping the educational landscape.
France
In France, Teachers’ Day (Journée nationale des enseignants) is celebrated on November 26. This day provides an opportunity to acknowledge and honor the contributions of teachers to the education system. It is a time to express gratitude for the knowledge, skills, and guidance that teachers provide to students, contributing to their personal development and learning.
Japan Does Not Celebrate Teacher’s Day
Surprisingly, in a large country like Japan, Teacher’s Day is not widely celebrated and very few people pay attention to it. The Japanese believe that if a Teacher’s Day is organized, it may stir up jealousy among other professions. Not only the teaching profession, but also professions such as medicine, law, and engineering deserve recognition.
Students around the world eagerly anticipate this day, how about you? Make sure to give your teachers beautiful flowers and your best wishes on Vietnam’s Teacher’s Day, November 20!
