Teachers' Day around the world: dates and traditions

Teachers are celebrated across the world, yet there is no single date that everyone shares. There is, of course, World Teachers’ Day, established in 1994 by UNESCO and the International Labour Organization and fixed on October 5. But the picture is far more varied: different countries honor the profession on different days and in their own way.

International foundation

The idea of dedicating a day to educators goes back to a 1966 document that addressed teachers’ status and the need to recognize their work. Since then, more than a hundred countries have observed World Teachers’ Day, usually with conferences, award ceremonies, and symbolic shows of support for education.

India: a day for a philosopher-president

In India the celebration falls on September 5, the birthday of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a president of the country and a noted thinker. The tradition has taken root: schools host concerts, students thank their teachers, and in some institutions pupils even step into the classroom as teachers for a day.

China: a national date

China marks Teachers’ Day on September 10. Here it is more than a calendar note: the authorities officially support the festivities, and in some provinces older rituals of respect for mentors are still observed.

United States: a week of appreciation

The United States has no single nationwide date. Instead there is Teacher Appreciation Day on the Tuesday of the first full week in May. That same week brings a string of activities—school events, contests, and symbolic gestures of gratitude.

Turkey and Atatürk’s legacy

In Turkey the holiday is tied to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. It is observed on November 24, the day the country’s first president taught lessons himself as a statement about the importance of teaching.

South Korea: in memory of a great king

South Korea’s Teachers’ Day falls on May 15, the birthday of King Sejong, famed for creating the Korean script. In schools, students present flowers and hold special ceremonies.

Brazil and Latin America

Brazil chose October 15, a date that nods to the first law on schooling in the country. The day brings school events and official awards.

Europe, Australia and Russia

Most European countries, such as Germany and the United Kingdom, keep to the international date of October 5. Russia also officially adopted it in 1994.

Australia shifted the celebration to the last Friday of October, since October 5 often falls during school holidays. New Zealand honors teachers on October 29.

Traditions and ways to say thanks

Almost everywhere the day involves gifts and flowers, but the forms differ. Some places hold assemblies and concerts, others opt for formal award ceremonies. In India and elsewhere students may try on the teacher’s role, while in parts of China an old ritual of washing teachers’ feet remains as a gesture of respect.

Modern trends

Over the years the occasion has moved beyond school walls. International organizations use it to discuss the challenges facing education, the status of the profession, and teachers’ working conditions. New formats have appeared—online greetings, video conferences, professional forums.

In the end

Teachers’ Day unites countries around a shared respect for those who pass on knowledge. Yet each nation has its own date, its own logic, and its own traditions. The message is clear: esteem for educators is universal, but it finds different expressions shaped by history, culture, and the symbols that matter to each society.