Why Do We Celebrate Teachers' Day? History, Significance, And Facts

We celebrate Teacher's Day to honor and appreciate the people who perhaps have the biggest impact on our lives.

Despite being one of the most important professions, teaching is often one of the most underpaid. Many teachers have to leave their professions because of this.

But Teachers' Day is a great chance to make our teachers feel appreciated and perhaps spark serious conversations about the way they are treated and the way to change and improve their situations. The importance of school and education cannot be understated. Teachers are our role models and our 'second parents'. They teach us everything we know about the world and they deserve endless recognition.

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History Of Teachers' Day

The very notion of there being a day dedicated to teachers first began taking root in the 19th century. Today, people celebrate local teachers and even milestones achieved by different teachers. People celebrate Teachers' Day on different dates in different countries, and World Teachers' Day is celebrated on October 5. This is unique for an international holiday. Argentina is known for celebrating it on September 11, which is the death anniversary of their former President, Domingo Faustino Sarmiento. Teachers' Day in India is a very big deal and is celebrated on September 5 since 1962. This day was chosen for Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the first Vice President and second President of India. Yet another Teachers' Day-like celebration 'Guru Purnima' is also observed in India. This is a day to celebrate 'gurus' or spiritual teachers. This day was called the 'Abhar Diwas'.

It is important to know the Teachers' Day significance in a densely populated country like India. Former students and friends of Bharat Ratna-recipient and then-President, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan approached him to let them celebrate his birth anniversary as Teacher's Day. Honored, he complied, and ever since 1962 which is when he became President of India, his birthday, September 5 is celebrated as Teachers' Day in India, with quite a celebration. Dr. Radhakrishnan also believed that teachers were the best minds in the country and he was also the Vice-Chancellor of India's Andhra University from 1931-1936. He was also the Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University from 1939-1948 and was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1954.

When is Teachers' Day celebrated?

International Teachers' Day is observed and celebrated on October 5.

Teachers' Day is celebrated around the world on many different days. India celebrates it on September 5 (birthday of the first Vice President and second President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan), China celebrates it on September 10, the United Kingdom and Canada are known for celebrating it on October 5, and the United States celebrates a Teacher Appreciation Week, in the first week of May and Teachers' Day celebration is on Tuesday of this week. In the country of Czech Republic, March 28 is celebrated as Teachers' Day and in Taiwan, it is observed on September 28.

World Teachers' Day (International Teachers' Day) is celebrated on October 5 and many countries celebrate World Teachers' Day every year. This date of celebration actually commemorates the 1966 UNESCO/ILO recommendation that concerned the status of teachers, especially regarding the responsibilities, rights, and standards for further education, preparation, employment, recruitment, learning, and teaching conditions. India observes it on September 5 every year to celebrate the birthday of their former President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan who was known for his approach towards students and education in India. He was also the first Vice President of India.

John Amos Comenius was a prominent Czech philosopher and the Czechs celebrate his birthday on March 28 as Teachers' Day.

What is the importance of Teachers' Day?

The role that teachers play in our lives cannot be understated. They are perhaps some of the most important people in a child's life.

This is evidenced by Finland whose people are recognized as the happiest in the world, and their robust educational system plays an important role in this. Teachers and students share a special bond. Teachers are always around to give advice that parents can't. They're our friends, our gurus, and even our confidantes. They are not appreciated, cherished, or paid enough. At least, on Teachers' Day, people can collectively come together to discuss how to improve the resources that are available to a teacher. After all, everyone sends their kids to school and the quality of education from a great teacher directly affects the people we become.

The fifth day of October was declared as the International Teachers' Day in 1966 by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to mark the adoption of the recommendation by UNESCO/ILO regarding the ideal educational requirements around the world.

Why do we celebrate Teachers' Day?

We celebrate Teachers' Day to pay tribute to the people who mold us into our future selves.

It is not easy being a teacher in many parts of the world, especially in nations with ongoing conflicts and crises. Yet, teachers manage to prevail. Even though it is the most basic of professions, teachers face many struggles and future challenges. 2020 saw unprecedented challenges for a teacher, with COVID-19 running rampant around the world. Teachers in developed countries could still hold classes but teachers in developing and under-developed nations have struggled to provide quality education. Even in ideal situations, to teach is to learn twice. On Teachers' Day, teachers can feel some of the appreciation that they deserve.

Teachers are also perhaps the most underpaid professionals in the world. Many teachers have to eventually leave education because of low income. Different surveys have determined that about 33% of teachers leave teaching in their first three years, and 46% quit within five years. Observing Teachers' Day is the least that can be done to celebrate the contribution of teachers. It is also a good opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges they face.

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