List of Teachers' Days


Teachers' Day is a special day for the appreciation of teachers, and may include celebrations to honor them for their special contributions in a particular field area, or the community in general.
The idea of celebrating Teachers' Day took root in many countries during the 19th century; in most cases, they celebrate a local educator or an important milestone in education. This is the primary reason why countries celebrate this day on different dates, unlike many other International Days. For example, Argentina has commemorated Domingo Faustino Sarmiento's death on 11 September since 1915; while in India Guru Purnima is traditionally observed as a day to venerate teachers, the birthday of the second president Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan is also celebrated as Teacher's Day since 1962.
Many countries celebrate World Teachers' Day, established by UNESCO in 1994, on 5 October as their Teachers' Day.

Dates by country

CountryTeachers' DayNotes
Afghanistan3 Saur Schools won't have a holiday, but students and teachers gather to celebrate at schools with special traditional food, cookies, music and presents for the teachers.
Albania7 MarchCelebrates the opening of the first school where lessons were taught in the Albanian language, on 7 March 1887.
Algeria28 February
Argentina11 SeptemberIn memory of Domingo F. Sarmiento. Journalist, governor of San Juan, diplomat, senator, President of Argentina. Made primary education compulsory, established 800 educational and military institutions including teachers' schools, founded public libraries, developed infrastructure and fostered immigration. Inspired by Horace Mann, whom he befriended, brought 32 American teachers to Argentina to develop the American model of universal education. The 1943 Interamerican Conference on Education, held in Panama, established 11 September as Panamerican Teacher's Day.
Armenia5 OctoberArmenia previously celebrated Teacher's Day on the first Sunday of October. Under a parliamentary decision to amend the law on the Republic of Armenia Holidays and Commemoration Days, the holiday was shifted to 5 October, which coincides with World Teachers' Day.
AustraliaLast Friday in OctoberOn Australia's celebration of World Teachers’ Day, the NEiTA Foundation and the Australian Scholarships Group announce the national teaching recipients of the ASG Community Merit Awards. If the last Friday of the month falls on 31 October, coinciding with Halloween, the celebration is postponed to 7 November.
Azerbaijan5 OctoberBetween 1965 and 1994, the first Sunday of October. Since 1994, on 5 October, it has coincided with World Teachers' Day on 5 October.
Bangladesh5 October
BelarusThe first Sunday of October
Bhutan2 MayEstablished and marked on the birth anniversary of the third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who introduced modern education to the country.
Bolivia6 June
Brazil15 OctoberEstablished by a decree regulating elementary schools in Brazil. The celebration gained popularity throughout the country, and October 15 was officially designated Teachers' Day in 1963.
Brunei23 SeptemberTo commemorate the birth date of the 28th ruler of Brunei, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, also known as the 'Architect of Modern Brunei', who amongst other things emphasized the importance of education to his subjects by introducing a policy of 'free' education whereby the citizens are charged very nominal fees for attending schools. This policy has been continued and extended by the current ruler.
Bulgaria5 OctoberOn 29 September 2006, the date of 5 October was recognized as Teacher's Day by the government.
Cameroon5 OctoberTeachers in Cameroon on Tuesday, 5 October 2010 joined their peers worldwide to celebrate the 17th World Teachers Day. With the theme "Nation building passes through teachers", the day served as an opportunity to pay homage to teachers who toil, sometimes under not-so-comfortable conditions, to build the capacities of human resources for the socio-economic development of the country. Commemorative activities in Yaounde began on 29 September with educative talks at the Lycée Général Leclerc, and were rounded off on World Teachers Day at the Wada multi-purpose sports complex.
Canada5 OctoberOn 5 October, along with over 100 countries around the world, the Canadian Teachers’ Federation and its member organisations across the country celebrate World Teachers’ Day through a public awareness campaign that highlights the contributions of the teaching profession.
Chile16 OctoberIn 1967, 11 September was selected as "Día del Maestro". The date was moved to 10 December in 1975, because on that day in 1945, the Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral received the Nobel Prize. In 1977, the date was renamed to "Día del Profesor" and was moved again, to 16 October, to honour the founding of the Colegio de Profesores de Chile.
China10 SeptemberIn the People's Republic of China, there are some activities for students to show their appreciation to teachers, such as presenting gifts, including cards and flowers. In addition, many former students will go back to their old primary schools, middle schools and high schools to give presents to their old teachers.
The government first proclaimed Teachers' Day in 1985, but has never clearly explained why it should fall on 10 September. Some believe it is due to the similar pronunciation between the word "teacher" and the two digits 9, 10 in the date. Some people believe it was an arbitrary choice and have proposed to change it to 28 September, believed to be the birthdate of Confucius. On 5 September 2013, the State Council announced a legislative draft endorsing the change.
Colombia15 MayThis day marks the appointment of San Juan Bautista de la Salle as the patron of teachers. In 1950, Pope Pius XII granted his approval of La Salle as patron of teachers for championing the causes of modern education. The holy founder understood the education of children as the obligation of all. Usually the schools of his time only accepted young people studying towards politics or diplomacy. Juan Bautista outlined the principles of free and universal education. That same year in Colombia, the President of the Republic declared that date as Teachers' Day.
Costa Rica22 DecemberTo commemorate the birth date of Mauro Fernández Acuña, a reformer of Costa Rican education.
Croatia5 OctoberCroatia celebrates Teacher's Day on 5 October like many other countries in Europe. Croatians are, however, encouraged to appreciate teachers all year long.
Cuba22 DecemberOn 22 December 1961, Cuba declared itself a Territory Free of Illiteracy .
Czech Republic28 MarchThe birthday of John Amos Comenius. Czech students nominate the teachers whose approach most motivates and inspires them to the Zlatý Ámos competition. The coronation of "Golden Amos" takes place yearly on 28 March.
Dominican Republic30 June
Ecuador13 April
Egypt28 February
El Salvador22 JuneTeachers' Day in El Salvador is observed as a national holiday.
Estonia5 OctoberIn Estonia last class students grant leave to teachers by conducting lessons themselves.
Georgia5 OctoberBetween 1965 and 1994, the first Sunday of October. Since 1994, on 5 October, it has coincided with World Teachers' Day on 5 October.
Germany5 October
Greece30 JanuaryDerived from the Eastern Orthodox faith when the Three Holy Hierarchs and Ecumenical Teachers are commemorated.
Guatemala25 JuneA celebration in honour of the teacher María Chinchilla who died during a violent riot in protest against the government.
Honduras17 SeptemberCelebration in honour of the life of José Trinidad Reyes
Hong Kong10 SeptemberBefore the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong in 1997, Teachers' Day was on 28 September. After the handover to the People's Republic of China, the day was changed to 10 September, which is when the PRC celebrates the holiday.
HungaryFirst Sunday of June
IndiaFull moon day of Ashadha,
and
5 September		Guru Purnima is an Indian and Nepalese festival dedicated to spiritual and academic teachers. This festival is traditionally celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Buddhists, to pay their respects to their teachers and express their gratitude. The festival is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashadha in the Hindu calendar of India and Nepal. This day marks the first peak of the lunar cycle after the peak of the solar cycle. The celebration is marked by ritualistic respect to the Guru, Guru Puja.
The birth date of the second President of India, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, 5 September 1888, has been celebrated as Teacher's Day since 1962. On this day, teachers and students report to school as usual but the usual activities and classes are replaced by activities of celebration, thanks and remembrance. In some schools, senior students take the responsibility of teaching in order to show their appreciation for the teachers.
Indonesia25 NovemberNational Teachers' Day is commemorated on the same day as the formation of the Indonesian Teachers' Association, the PGRI. National Teachers' Day is not a holiday, but it is celebrated by having a ceremonial activity in recognition of certain teachers, headmasters and other school staff.
Iran2 May In memory of Morteza Motahhari.
Iraq1 MarchNational Teachers' Day in Iraq is celebrated by the students showing appreciation to their teachers by giving them presents, also it is celebrated by bringing traditional food into school and just having an open day in general.
Israel23 Kislev
Jamaica6 MayTeachers' Day is normally celebrated on 7 May or the first Wednesday in May. In celebration of Teachers' Day, it is common for students and parents to bring teachers gifts. Most schools close early.
Jordan28 February
KazakhstanThe first Sunday of October
Kosovo7 March
Kuwait5 October
Laos7 October
LatviaThe first Sunday of OctoberTeacher's Day is celebrated in schools on the 1st Sunday of October. Usually, some classes that day are canceled or conducted by elder grade pupils, while teachers are greeted.
Lebanon9 MarchTeachers are usually given gifts by students to show appreciation of teaching them.
Libya28 February
Lithuania5 OctoberBetween 1965 and 1994, it was celebrated on the first Sunday of October. Since 1994, it has been celebrated on 5 October to coincide with the World Teachers' Day. Classes are mostly shortened or cancelled, while students or workers run classes about career and so on. Teachers are mostly greeted with flowers.
Malaysia16 MayThis date was chosen because on the same day in 1956, the Federal Legislative Council of the Federation of Malaya endorsed the Razak Report, one of four reports of the Education Committee regarding education in Malaysia. The document, known as the Razak Report after Tun Abdul Razak who was Education Minister at the time, has been the basis of education in Malaysia ever since. Although it is not an official school holiday, celebrations are usually held on 16 May, or earlier if it falls on a Saturday or Sunday.
Maldives5 OctoberOn 5 October, schools in the Maldives celebrate Teachers' Day with many activities. Children and students give parcels and gifts to teachers.
Mauritius5 October
Mexico15 MayOn 15 May schools in Mexico are supposed to stop normal activities and organize cultural events that promote the importance and dignity of the teachers’ role in society. In reality some schools operate as usual and others take the day off. The first Teacher's Day was celebrated on 15 May 1918. The date of 15 May was proposed at the Mexican Congress on 27 September 1917, approved on 29 October 1917 and published on 5 December 1917. There are several possible origins for choosing this date. The first one mentions that in the city of San Luis Potosí every 15 May, a group of students gathered to celebrate the birthday of their old teacher Isidore, named after Saint Isidore the Laborer, following the Mexican tradition of naming children according to the Saint celebrated the day they were born. The second origin considers the celebration of a historic event in the city of Querétaro on 15 May 1867.
Moldova5 October
Mongolia5 October
Morocco28 February
Myanmar5 October
NepalFull moon day of Ashadha The full moon day is also called Ashad sukla purnima; the date usually falls in mid-July. Teacher's Day is called "Guru Purnima" in Nepali, where "Guru" means teacher and "Purnima" means "Full Moon".
Netherlands5 October
New Zealand29 October
Nigeria5 OctoberTeachers' day in Nigeria is usually a work-free day for all rural and urban teachers.
North Macedonia5 October
Oman24 February
Palestine14 December
Panama1 DecemberTo commemorate the birth date of Manuel José Hurtado, who is known as the father of Panamanian education because of his promotion of modern universal education through the establishment of the first public schools and teachers' colleges in what is now known as Panama — then part of Colombia – aiming to break the vicious cycle of ignorance and poverty that afflicted the vast majority of the population. He went on to be named Director-General of Public Instruction of the State of the Isthmus.
Pakistan5 October
Papua New Guinea5 OctoberPapua New Guinea celebrates both National Teachers' Day and International Teachers' Day on this same day. Each school under the National Department of Education and higher institutions of learning and universities under the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology celebrates the occasion by staging programs and activities dedicated to the teachers. Children and adults are actively involved in acknowledging the teachers contribution to their well being and intellectual development and growth. The PNG government has a Tuition Fee Free policy that provides free education for grade school children through the NDOE. DHERST implements TVET SSP in support of the government's policy on education and PNG Vision 2050.
Paraguay30 April
Peru6 JulyDuring the independence of Peru, the Liberator José de San Martín founded the first Normal School for Men by means of a resolution passed by the Marquis of Torre-Tagle on 6 July 1822.
Many years later, in 1953, the then president Manuel A. Odría decided that Teachers' Day would be commemorated every 6 July.
Philippines5 OctoberBy virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 242, s. 2011, the National Teacher's Month is celebrated starting September 5 through the World Teachers' Day celebration in October 5, making it the longest celebration to honor more than 500,000 teachers nationwide.
Before 2011, Teachers' Day was celebrated in schools between the months of September and October. Teachers are presented with orchid corsages by students. Groups of students representing various grade levels perform short skits or song and dance numbers, or read poetry for their teachers in front of fellow schoolmates in school-wide activities. These activities are planned by senior students in the Student Council who coordinate the activities well in advance.
For Filipino-Chinese schools, a program is usually organized by students for teachers on 27 September while 28 September, considered as the actual Teachers' Day, is a school holiday where both teachers and students are allowed to rest. 28 September was selected as it is thought to be the birthdate of Confucius.
Poland14 OctoberThis day is the anniversary of the creation of the Commission of National Education, created in 1773 through the initiative of King Stanisław August Poniatowski. Normally, flowers and sweets will be given to teachers by kids. School play and activities can be also scheduled by student body.
Portugal5 October
Puerto Rico20 MayIn 2016, it was celebrated on the 20th of May. Usually, it is the Friday before Mother's Day. In some cases, it has been celebrated on the first Friday of May.
Qatar5 October
Romania5 October
Russia5 OctoberBetween 1965 and 1994, the first Sunday of October, since 1994, 5 October, coinciding with World Teachers' Day.
Saudi Arabia5 October
Serbia5 October
SingaporeFirst Friday of SeptemberAn official school holiday. Celebrations are normally conducted the day before, where students usually get half a day off. In some schools, students will put on performances to entertain and honour their teachers. Before 2011, Teacher's day was originally the First day for September.
Slovakia28 MarchCommemorates the birthdate of John Amos Comenius.
Somalia21 NovemberSince 1974, Teachers' Day has been a public holiday celebrated in every school.
South Korea15 MayOriginally it was started by a group of Red Cross youth team members who visited their sick ex-teachers in hospitals. Originally its date was 26 May. But since 1965, its date has been 15 May, Sejong the Great's birthday. The national celebration ceremony was stopped between 1973 and 1982, but it resumed after that. In 1982, it was revived again to create a climate that honors its mentor. On the day, teachers are usually presented with carnations by their students and ex-students. It is illegal to present carnations to public school teachers under the anti-graft law.
South Sudan1 DecemberThe president of South Sudan proclaimed Teacher's Day for 1 December, one month before the country's first Teacher's Day. On 1 September, one month before the country's third Teacher's Day, it was publicly announced that they changed the date to 1 October.
Spain27 November
Sri Lanka5 OctoberOfficially Teachers' Day is celebrated in every school on 5 October.
Syria18 March
Taiwan28 SeptemberTaiwan uses this day to honor teachers' contributions to their own students and to society in general. People often make use of the day to express their gratitude to their teachers, such as paying them a visit or sending them a card. This date was chosen to commemorate the birth of Confucius, believed to be the model master educator. In 1939, the Ministry of Education established the national holiday as 27 August, the attributed birthday of Confucius.
In 1952, the Executive Yuan changed it to September, stating that it was calculated to be the precise date in the Gregorian calendar. The festival celebration occurs in the temples of Confucius around the island, known as the "Grand Ceremony Dedicated to Confucius". The ceremony begins at 6am with drum beats. 54 musicians are dressed in robes with blue belts, and 36 dancers dressed in yellow with green belts. They are led by Confucius' chief descendant and followed by ceremonial officers. Three animals are sacrificed: a cow, a goat, and a pig. The hairs plucked from these sacrificed animals are called the Hairs of Wisdom. In addition, local education institutes and civil offices award certain teachers for their excellence and positive influence.
Thailand16 JanuaryAdopted as Teachers' Day, in spoken Thai language "Wan Kru", by a resolution of the government on 21 November 1956. The first Teachers' Day was held in 1957. 16 January marks the enactment of the Teachers Act, Buddhist Era 2488, which was published in the Government Gazette on 16 January 1945, and came into force 60 days later. Most Thai schools close for the day to give their teachers a break during the long second term. Many international schools do not, although they may hold celebrations to honour their teaching staff. The celebrations usually include giving small jasmine floral wreaths to their teachers and doing performances for teachers. This is an important holiday for Thais as teachers are held in high regard in Thailand. Most celebrations are at the schools and there are very few public or official commemorations.
Tunisia28 February
Turkey24 NovemberMustafa Kemal Atatürk stated that "The new generation will be created by teachers" and as founding President adopted a new alphabet for the newly founded Turkish Republic in 1923. On 24 November 1928, Mustafa Kemal officially accepted the title of head teacher of the nation's schools, granted by the cabinet of ministers. It has been celebrated since 1981 as The Teachers’ Day.
UkraineThe first Sunday of OctoberAt schools across the country, Teachers' Day is celebrated the Friday before the holiday with concerts and gatherings, while students usually give their teachers gifts such as flowers and sweets. At some schools exists tradition with organising pupils of senior classes to conduct lesson for minors. The ceremony of issuing the appreciation certificates may be conducted for notable teachers.
United Arab Emirates5 October
United Kingdom5 October
United StatesNational Teacher Day is on Tuesday during Teacher Appreciation Week, which takes place in the first full week of May.The National Education Association describes National Teacher Day as "a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives".
The NEA gives a history of National Teacher Day: The origins of Teacher Day are murky. Around 1944, a Wisconsin teacher named Ryan Krug began corresponding with political and education leaders about the need for a national day to honor teachers. Mattie Whyte Woodridge, an educator from Helena, Arkansas wrote to Eleanor Roosevelt, who in 1953 persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim a National Teacher Day. NEA along with its Kansas and Indiana state affiliates and the Dodge City, Kansas local NEA branch lobbied Congress to create a national day celebrating teachers. Congress declared 7 March 1980 as National Teacher Day for that year only. The NEA and its affiliates continued to observe Teacher Day on the first Tuesday in March until 1985, when the National PTA established Teacher Appreciation Week in the first full week of May. The NEA Representative Assembly then voted to make the Tuesday of that week National Teacher Day. As of 4 November 1976, 6 November was adopted as Teachers' Day in the U.S. state of Massachusetts. Currently, Massachusetts sets the first Sunday of June as its own Teachers' Day annually.
Uruguay22 September
Uzbekistan1 OctoberUzbekistan is one of the countries where Teachers' Day is on 1 October, and there is a day off throughout the country. Teachers' Day has been celebrated here since 1997.
Venezuela15 January
Vietnam20 NovemberThis holiday allows students to express their respect to their teacher. Students begin preparing a week in advance. Many classes prepare literature and art to welcome Teachers' Day, while other students prepare foods and flowers for the parties held at their schools. Students usually visit their teachers at their homes to offer flowers and small gifts, or organize trips with their teachers and classmates. Former students also pay respect to their former teachers on this day. The holiday has its origins in a meeting between educators in communist bloc nations in Warsaw in 1957. It was first celebrated in 1958 as the Day of the International Manifest of Educators; in 1982 the day was renamed Vietnamese Educators' Day.
Yemen28 February

A day for homeschool teacher appreciation has been suggested, which several homeschooling groups subsequently organized. A United States "parents as teachers day" has existed on 8 November since the 1970s. While this initially focussed on the role of parents in early-childhood learning, some homeschoolers use it to acknowledge the primacy of the parental role in education.