October 5th is celebrated as World Teachers’ Day in most countries around the world, during which teachers, teachers’ associations, and teacher training institutions are honored for their significant role in educating, training, and developing future leaders.
In 1994, UNESCO declared October 5th as World Teachers’ Day. Since then, this day has been celebrated every year with great respect.
Teachers work hard every day to encourage, guide, educate, and train us and our children. If we think back to our childhood or adolescence, we can recall at least one teacher who played a positive role in shaping our personality, teaching us new skills, helping us choose the right field, encouraging hard work, showing respect, staying determined, and making a seemingly boring subject extremely interesting. You will also remember or notice many teachers today who go beyond their basic duty of teaching and learning and play other important roles. Teachers are not only advisors and friends for students, but many also act as guardians, helping students navigate through tough times and setting them on the path to a bright future.
Although teaching is a noble profession, it is also very challenging and complex. In today’s developed era, it seems that teachers are going through more difficult times than before. They face several daily challenges in the classroom, including disruptive and inappropriate environments, lack of resources, limited time, insufficient ongoing professional training, excessive and unrealistic expectations from school administrations and parents, and a lack of moral support. The large number of students in classrooms also limits teachers from providing individual attention. Teachers shape nations, but in many developing countries, their salaries and benefits are minimal, preventing them from receiving the recognition they truly deserve. However, despite all these difficulties, teachers continue to play a crucial role in restoring education with great dedication.
Since teachers prepare students for the future, it is undeniable that they must recognize the difficulty of their work and delicate responsibilities, equipping themselves with new skills and modern teaching methods to overcome the challenges that arise in educating students.
World Teachers’ Day is an occasion that emotionally connects teachers and students. Teachers feel appreciated for their efforts and hard work by students, school administrations, parents, and other institutions. Students, on the other hand, use this day to express gratitude to their teachers for making a positive impact on their lives. Additionally, parents can express their appreciation for their children’s teachers by sending letters of thanks and appreciation. In today’s age, social media offers a platform to honor and thank various teachers for their exceptional services. Students can present their teachers with bouquets, chocolates, thank-you cards, or express their gratitude through personality sketches, poetry, or drawings. Affluent students, with parental permission, can also host luncheons, dinners, or parties to acknowledge their teachers’ contributions. Students may also share photos of their teachers on social media to express their admiration and respect.
On World Teachers’ Day, school administrations can join hands with students to decorate the school and organize events to thank teachers for their selfless services. Ensure to have individual conversations with each teacher to express admiration for them. Some teachers may be facing difficulties, so offer them encouragement during this time. Furthermore, distribute certificates, shields, and gifts among teachers. If possible, offer cash rewards or salary increases to motivate them to contribute positively and wholeheartedly to nation-building.
Teachers not only educate students but also nurture them, preparing them for a better future because teachers are the true embodiment of knowledge and wisdom. They raise awareness among students and the general public. Teachers are a source of light in a world of ignorance. Our teachers are the true pillars of our success. They help us acquire knowledge, enhance our skills, boost our confidence, and guide us in choosing the path to success. Yet, despite playing such an important role in students’ lives and the development of nations, they are rarely appreciated as much as they deserve. Therefore, as students, parents, school administrations, and responsible citizens, it is our duty to thank them and wholeheartedly recognize their sacrifices. World Teachers’ Day offers us the perfect opportunity to fulfill this responsibility.