World Teachers’ Day 2024: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Schools around the globe are back in full swing as the calendar turns to October. The holiday season is just around the corner, but don’t skip over World Teachers’ Day before then! 

World Teachers’ Day is a great time for communities everywhere to acknowledge, thank, and celebrate teachers at every level and subject area for their tireless work to educate and support students as they learn and grow. 

With World Teachers’ Day 2024 quickly approaching, we want to answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the international day of observance to highlight how communities, schools and districts, and teachers themselves can recognize the holiday. 

What is World Teachers’ Day and why is it significant? 

World Teachers’ Day is a global observance created to recognize the contributions that teachers make to society. Established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1994, World Teachers’ Day is a time to celebrate educators and their dedication, as well as an opportunity to discuss the challenges faced by those in teaching careers, such as concerns about pay, lack of resources, and increasing workloads. In fact, the 2024 theme emphasizes the need to value teachers’ voices in shaping education policies and practices. 

When and where is World Teachers’ Day celebrated, and who participates? 

World Teachers’ Day is observed on Oct. 5 each year. Since being established in 1994, the day has grown to be celebrated in over 100 countries, including the United States, Australia, and various nations in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Schools, educational institutions, government bodies, and organizations across these regions participate in the celebrations in a variety of ways based on their communities and cultures. Overall, the day is recognized by teachers, students, educational leaders, and communities, who come together to appreciate the contributions of educators and advocate for better conditions in the teaching profession. 

Why was Oct. 5 chosen as World Teachers’ Day? 

Oct. 5 was chosen as World Teachers’ Day to commemorate the signing of the 1966 International Labour Organization (ILO)/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. This document was — and continues to be — important in the field of education because it established principles regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers, as well as standards for their training, employment, and working conditions.  

What are some ways to celebrate World Teachers’ Day? 

There are many ways to celebrate World Teachers’ Day, including: 

• Expressing gratitude by writing thank-you notes, creating appreciation boards, or organizing small events to honor teachers 
• Sharing social media posts, videos, or photos to publicly recognize teachers’ contributions 
• Offering professional development opportunities as a school or university to encourage your faculty’s continued education and professional growth 
• Organize community events or ceremonies to celebrate and recognize the importance of teachers 

Why is it important to recognize teachers on World Teachers’ Day? 

Teachers are important in their communities, no matter how big or small, and they are fundamental to the development of society as a whole since they are responsible for educating the leaders, thinkers, and innovators of the future. Recognizing teachers not only shows them you care, but it also boosts their morale and encourages others to support them. 

How can individuals support teachers beyond World Teachers’ Day? 

Support and appreciation for teachers should not be confined to just one calendar day. Individuals can volunteer in schools, help raise funds and gather classroom resources, and even get involved in local interest groups that advocate for better education policies. Regardless of the strategy, it’s important to show appreciation for the hard work that teachers do daily. By supporting teachers year-round, we can contribute to a more robust and effective education system. 

How does Moreland University contribute to the celebration of teachers globally? 

Moreland plays a pivotal role in training and supporting teachers around the world. As an institution dedicated to preparing educators, Moreland offers comprehensive programs that equip teachers with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in modern educational environments. The curriculums for our TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate program and 100% online master’s degree programs are always being evaluated and updated to ensure they prepare teachers to thrive and grow their careers. 

By fostering a global community of educators, Moreland helps prepare teachers to meet the challenges of modern education.

Supporting Teachers Every Day is the Moreland Way 

World Teachers’ Day is a useful reminder of the important role teachers play in shaping our daily lives. As we celebrate, let’s commit to not only honoring our teachers on Oct. 5, but supporting them year-round. 

Moreland is proud to provide resources to help teachers of all levels and subjects areas be as effective as possible, and programs to help them reach their career advancement goals. Discover how Moreland can help you become a fully certified teacher or level-up your career with a master’s degree all before World Teachers’ Day 2025.