World Teachers' Day

World Teachers' Day History

World Teachers' Day is dedicated to appreciating the vital role that teachers play in the development and shaping of society. Established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), this special day aims to highlight the importance of teachers, promote their rights, and raise awareness regarding the need to attract and retain quality educators in order to ensure successful teaching and learning experiences for future generations. The day is also an opportunity to discuss and address the challenges faced by teachers in the rapidly changing world of education.

The origins of World Teachers' Day can be traced back to 1994 when UNESCO, International Labour Organization (ILO), and the educational community decided to create a day to celebrate teachers and their essential contributions to society. For people in the United Kingdom, World Teachers' Day is a valuable opportunity to reflect on the essential role of educators across the nation. From primary to higher education institutions, teachers in the UK are known for their dedication and commitment to developing the skills, knowledge, and character of students in a diverse and ever-changing educational landscape.

In the United Kingdom, World Teachers' Day is observed with various events, workshops, and seminars that focus on discussing the challenges and opportunities faced by educators in the modern era. Schools, universities, educational organisations, and local communities organise activities and programmes to recognise and support the exceptional work of teachers. They may also use the opportunity to collaborate with teachers from other countries to share ideas and best practices. World Teachers' Day is celebrated on the 5th of October each year.

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.
• Teachers in the U.K typically work around 50 hours a week during term time which includes teaching, planning, marking, and administration.
• The starting salary for a newly qualified teacher in England is minimum £25,714 ($33,270).

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

Top things to do in the UK 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!
• Britain has numerous educational attractions, such as museums, historical sites, and galleries, that can be great places for teachers to visit on this day. Some popular options include the British Museum, the Science Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the National Gallery in London.
• World Teachers' Day can serve as an opportunity to commit to ongoing professional development by signing up for relevant courses, reading books or articles on education, or attending webinars.