World Teachers' Day

World Teachers' Day History

World Teachers' Day aims to show appreciation and draw attention to the crucial role teachers play in shaping the future of societies by educating and empowering the young generation. Recognised globally, the event acknowledges the significant contributions teachers make to education and development, and serves as a reminder to governments and the public of the need to support and value the teaching profession. It also provides an opportunity to assess the progress made in achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and its Target 4.c, focused on substantially increasing the supply of qualified teachers by 2030.

Established in 1994 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), International Labour Organization (ILO), UN Development Programme (UNDP), and Education International (EI), World Teachers' Day commemorates the signing of the 1966 "Recommendation Concerning the Status of Teachers". In Australia, the day is endorsed by both the Australian Education Union (AEU) and the Independent Education Union of Australia (IEUA), which represent public and private sector educators, respectively. It presents an opportunity for Australians to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of teachers, as well as to reflect on local and global issues surrounding education and the teaching profession.

In Australia, World Teachers' Day is celebrated with various events and activities organised by schools, unions, and education organisations, such as workshops, conferences, and awards ceremonies to recognise outstanding contributions made by teachers. World Teachers' Day is celebrated annually on October 5th.

World Teachers' Day facts

• The theme for World Teacher's Day in 2022 was Leading in crisis, reimagining the future. In 2024 the theme was Valuing teacher voices. In 2023 the theme was The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want.
• According to UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), there are approximately 69.4 million teachers around the world.
• The majority of teachers in Australia are female. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, about 72% of all school teachers in Australia are women.
• The average ratio of students to teachers in Australian schools is 14:1. However, this ratio can vary significantly depending on the location and type of school.

In the News and Trending in Australia for World Teachers' Day

Top things to do in Australia for World Teachers' Day

• Donate supplies to your children's teachers. Teachers usually have a supply list and the more resources they have, the better their learning environment!
• You might choose to volunteer your time at a local school, donate to a charity that supports education, or fundraise for a cause related to teaching and learning.
• Australia has many museums and cultural institutions focused on education and learning. You can visit the Australian National museum in Canberra, Melbourne Museum, or the Sydney Observatory.