What is it?

On October 5 each year, teachers’ organisations worldwide mobilise to ensure that the needs of future generations are taken into consideration.

UNESCO inaugurated October 5 as World Teachers’ Day in 1994 to commemorate the joint signing of the UNESCO/ILO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers on 5 October 1966. World Teachers’ Day also highlights the UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher Education Teaching Personnel adopted in 1997.

According to UNESCO, World Teachers’ Day represents a significant token of the awareness, understanding and appreciation displayed for the vital contribution that teachers make to education and development. Education International strongly believes that this Teachers’ Day should be internationally recognized and celebrated around the world. EI also believes that, on this anniversary date, the principles of the 1966 and 1997 Recommendations should be considered for implementation in all nations.

Over 100 countries observe World Teachers’ Day. The efforts of Education International and its 348 member organisations have contributed to this widely spread recognition. Every year, EI launches a public awareness campaign to highlight the contributions of the teaching profession.