How To Celebrate World Teachers’ Day (A Guide)

Your teachers do tons of things to ensure students learn every day, so there are tons of ways to celebrate World Teachers’ Day.

Also known as International Teachers Day, this holiday happens globally every year on October 5. Teachers’ organizations around the world have been celebrating World Teachers’ Day since 1994. World Teachers’ Day aims to focus on “appreciating, assessing, and improving the educators of the world” and to provide an opportunity to consider issues related to teachers and teaching. It‘s the perfect opportunity for administrators, students, parents, and loved ones to show their teachers they appreciate the significant contribution they make to their classrooms and communities.

How Did World Teachers’ Day Start?

This holiday started as a way to commemorate the signing of the 1966 United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)/ILO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. This recommendation is a standard-setting instrument that addresses the status and situations of teachers around the world. It outlines standards relating to:

• Education personnel policy
• Recruitment
• Initial training
• Continuing education of teachers
• Their employment
• Working conditions

World Teachers’ Day 2018

Each year, there is a different theme to World Teachers‘ Day. For example, in 2017 the theme was “Empowering Teachers.”

World Teachers’ Day 2018 focuses on “The right to education means the right to a qualified teacher.” It commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). It also serves as a reminder that the right to education cannot be realized without trained and qualified teachers.

Celebrating World Teachers’ Day: A Guide For Everyone

Depending on who you are, the ways you celebrate World Teachers’ Day may vary. For example, a principal will celebrate a little differently than a student. That’s why we’ve included three ways for just about everyone in an educator‘s life to show that educator they care.

For School Administrators

1. Plan Something in Advance

A lot of schools plan breakfasts, lunches, or assemblies to thank and honor their teachers. As an administrator, this is a great way to give your teachers a little something extra to say thanks. These events are even more meaningful to educators if you can get students, parents, and even former students involved.

If you‘re planning on holding an assembly, take the time to put together a short video or slide show highlighting your teachers and their accomplishments. Maybe a newer teacher just got tenure. Maybe a more experience teacher just finished an advanced degree or certificate.

Think hard and specifically about each teacher. It‘s a good idea to also highlight those individuals that accomplished something great with their students. Perhaps one teacher significantly increased standardized test scores.

The more personal and authentic you can be as an administrator, the better. Remember, when your teachers feel appreciated, the whole community can tell.

2. Supply Them With Better Tools

The next thing administrators can do to celebrate World Teachers’ Day is to supply their teachers with better tools. In this fast-paced, high-tech world, there are always new tools and supplies that make teaching more effective. While you may experience trouble trying to secure funding for tools like classroom laptops or school weather stations, you can use World Teachers’ Day as a way to convince your Board of Education into investing.

Can’t secure the funds? That’s OK. There are plenty of small improvements you can most likely swing for your teachers. New notebooks, pencils, and scissors can go a long way, especially since your teachers may normally pay for these items themselves. Maybe your teachers would like the air conditioner on still or the heat on early. Educators teach their students that a small act of kindness can go a long way. Now you can be an example and gift your hard-working teaching staff with something small, yet meaningful.

3. Drop In and Let Them Know They’re Doing Great

Sometimes, the easiest way to make your teachers feel appreciated is simply dropping by their classrooms. As administrators, we know you’re busy. But try to make time to visit your teachers in the classroom other than during observations.

Sit in on a class and listen to what your teachers are saying. Notice what teaching methods they’re using. Commend them for a job well done. Sometimes, all it takes is the right words at the right time to make a big difference in the lives of your teachers. At the very least, try to visit them on World Teachers’ Day!

For Students & Parents

Students learn a lot from their teachers every year. Most of the time, these lessons exceed what’s written on lesson plans. Teachers help mold students into successful members of society but nurturing social skills, confidence, and inquisitive natures. Here are some ways students of all ages and their parents can thank their teachers on World Teachers’ Day.

1. Focus in Class

How many times has your teacher asked you to focus or be quiet? If you‘re one of the louder or more easily-distracted students in your class, you can make your teacher‘s day on World Teachers Day by focusing really hard on being a good student. Here are some simple things you can do to show your teachers that you care about them:

• Do all of your homework
• Raise your hand and participate in class
• Don’t speak out of turn
• Focus on the lesson

2. Write a Card

The next thing you can do if you want to put in a little more effort is to buy or write a card. Genuine messages from students can make an educator‘s day. You can go out and buy a card, or you can make one by yourself. If you‘re not sure what to write, think about a time your teacher may have helped you learn something difficult.

You can also write about a characteristic your teacher has that you really appreciate and helps you learn. For example, maybe your Geography teacher has a catchy song for helping you memorize the 50 states. If you can‘t think of something specific, any message will do!

3. Set Up a Surprise

Parents can help their students with the card, but they can also plan a surprise! Whether it’s a classroom party or a gift card to the teacher‘s favorite coffee place, a little thought on your part can really brighten a teacher’s day. After all, they take care of your child for most the day!

For Friends and Family Members

We have quite a few members on the Earth Networks team who are related to, married to, or best friends with educators. They want to know what they can do to let the teachers they know personally that they care about them. Well, they (and you if this applies!) are in luck! Here are a few simple things you can do to celebrate the teachers in your life.

1. Take Them Out!

The best way to show them you care? Take them out! If it’s your significant other, take them out to eat so they don’t have to cook or clean. If it‘s your best friend, take them out for a drink or a night bowling. Every teacher is different. You know what your friends and family enjoy. Maybe the best way to show them you care is to take them apple picking or out for a hike on the weekend. Choose an activity you know they enjoy so they know you put some thought into it.

2. Give Them a Shout-Out on Social Media

Maybe you live in a different state or country than the important teachers in your life. If you still want to celebrate, you can give them a shout-out on social media! Head over to Twitter and use #WorldTeachersDay. Or, take a video of yourself and post it to your friend or family members‘ Facebook wall.

If you or your teacher friend/family member is “old school,” you can always call them. Sending a personal message, no matter the medium, is a great way to show the teachers in your life you care about them on World Teachers’ Day.

3. Ask Them How You Can Support Them

Whether it’s negotiating a contract or practicing a lesson, teachers can always use a helping hand. If you have the time, ask your teacher friends and family members how you can support them. Teachers often know what they need best, so if you don’t know how to celebrate, you can always go straight to the source.

How Do You Celebrate?

How do you celebrate your teachers on World Teachers’ Day and the rest of the year? If you have ideas that aren’t on our list, let us know about them in the comments below or on social media.

To all the teachers out there: We hope you have a great World Teachers’ Day. The work you do each day is extraordinary.

Of all the hard jobs around, one of the hardest is being a good teacher.

Maggie Gallagher