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Demonstrations, calls for increased investment in quality, inclusive education systems and educators, poems, dances, and more. On October 5th, 2025, education unions celebrated World Teachers’ Day, around the globe.

Africa: Education union leaders voice their demands at the highest level

Leaders of Education International Africa (EIA) member organizations exchanged experiences and strategies during a Go Public! Fund Education event and then actively participated in the Pan African Conference on Teacher Education (PACTED 2025). During these high-level events held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, they reaffirmed their commitment to the EI Go Public! campaign and urged African governments to increase funding in public education systems, teachers and education support personnel.

“We gather to honor those who shape destinies. Students craft tributes, communities rally in appreciation, and educators inspire each generation to dream bigger than the barriers they face. Yet celebration alone is not enough”, EI President Maluleke noted during the official World Teachers’ Day ceremony.

He also underlined that “we must bring the Santiago Consensus to life. When we recognize the teacher-student bond as common heritage, we refuse to let algorithms replace empathy, evaluations eclipse dignity, or budget cuts silence our calling. We proclaim that education is a human right anchored in compassion and competence.”

EI General Secretary David Edwards also addressed the African Union and proposed the creation of an Africa Summit on the Teaching Profession where education unions and Ministers of Education from across the continent come together, share insights and co-design policy.

In Burkina Faso, the Syndicat national des enseignants africains - Burkina (SNEA-B) organized a tribute to early childhood teachers and educators, with the following themes: "Teachers: pillar of resilience and innovation" and "Investing in teachers for a sustainable future."

In Cameroon, the Collectif des organisations des enseignants du Cameroun (COREC) called on all teachers to boycott all festive activities parades, fairs, etc. – organized by public authorities throughout the country.

The education union confederation denounces a crisis in the education system, which persists “in the face of the public authorities’ suborn refusal to engage in sincere social dialogue, as evidenced by their failure to keep their promise to hold the National Education Forum and address the special status of education personnel.”

COREC stressed that this boycott represents “an act of dignity, a wake-up call for the nation. It is a solemn appeal to decision makers to abandon the policy of distraction and finally engage in the constructive dialogue that the future of all our children demands.”

It therefore invited teachers “to transform October 5th into a day of commemoration, reflection and citizen mobilization.”

In Cape Verde, the General Secretary of the Federaçao Caboverdiana dos Professores (FECAP) and member of EIA Regional Committee, Abraão Borges, publicly welcomed the recent salary increase for the country’s teachers, as well as significant career level improvements within the profession. He emphasized however that “true teacher appreciation requires ongoing commitment, through a structured and open institutional dialogue between the Government and representatives of the education sector.”

He also asked for fairness and better living conditions for retired teachers, many of whom, he said, suffer serious salary losses due to decades without career progression or promotions, and the non-application of the allowance for reduced teaching hours.

“Let this day not be limited to formal tributes, but become a milestone for concrete, structured and ongoing actions in favor of education, its professionals, and the future of Cape Verde,” he underlined.

The Gambia Teachers' Union also called on governments to go public, fund education and invest in teachers. It reaffirmed that standing together for teachers is standing together for a better future for all.

In Ghana, the National Teaching Council, an agency under the Ministry of Education, organized the national Teacher Prize 2025, and called for Ghana to elevate the status of teachers for quality education.

Doférin Sékongo, General Secretary of the Mouvement des Enseignants du Primaire et du Secondaire de Côte d'Ivoire (MEPSCI) in Ivory Coast delivered a very powerful poem dedicated to all teachers in the world, “I am a Teacher”.

The poem begins with the following lines:

Kaba Sory, president of the Fédération syndicale des enseignants du primaire public de Côte d'Ivoire (FESAPPCI), on his part, stated that "the building of human society necessarily passes through the hands of the teacher, because without him, there is neither president, nor magistrate, nor high-level civil servant. All have been shaped by this engineer of the mind who is none other than the teacher."

In Morocco, Fatima Zahra El Wazani of the Syndicat National de l'Enseignement - Confédération Démocratique du Travail (SNE-CDT) also wrote a lovely poem paying homage to teachers, who “are the being who stands at the edge of ignorance, kindling the flame of knowledge in the darkness, guiding us toward meaning.”

On this World Teachers’ Day, she wrote, “we salute everyone who has made the classroom a space of freedom, not a wall of memorization.”

The Syndicat National de l'Enseignement - Fédération Démocratique du Travail (SNE-FDT) held its Ordinary National Council in Casablanca on Saturday, October 4th, 2025, under the theme: “Together for teachers, together for tomorrow”. The General Secretary Younes Firachine, took the floor to highlight, on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, “the central role played by women and men in education in building and protecting society.” He reaffirmed that they represent the pillar on which to build a better future, both in Morocco and in the rest of the world.

At the international level, the union also reasserted its steadfast support for the Palestinian people.

At the national level, SNE-FDT leaders expressed their solidarity with the youth who took to the streets to protest the spread of corruption and the worrying deterioration of social sectors such as health, education, and employment—demands the union has consistently voiced for decades.

The National Council concluded by calling on “all activists to redouble their efforts and renew their commitment to reforming the education system in our country and continue the struggle under the slogan: Together for teachers, together for tomorrow.”

The Education International Niger Branch (IESNI, francophone acronym) held a high-level event where participants paid heartfelt tribute to teachers, “pillars of knowledge transmission and true builders of the future.” The ceremony brought together numerous education sector leaders, including academics, in a spirit of gratitude and solidarity.

In her speech, EIA President Mariama Chipkaou highlighted the special significance of the 2025 edition, celebrated in Africa at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This powerful symbol reflects the recognition of the central role of teachers in the continent's development, she said, before reiterating the importance of strengthening support for teachers, defending their rights, and promoting quality education for all.

EI General Secretary David Edwards also went to Palestine to support the General Union of Palestinian Teachers (GUPT) and as representative of the global education union movement’s “solidarity and commitment to our colleagues, to education, to peace.”

“A very powerful World Teacher’s Day from Palestine, where teachers are working with 50% pay in solidarity with their community,” he explained. “The hardships they endure working with such dignity and commitment under occupation are a lesson for us all. I wanted to honor them and those we have lost in Gaza, but no words suffice for such a massive failure of humanity. Sometimes we just have to show up for each other.”

In Somalia, the Somali National Union of Teachers (SNUT) hosted a major forum bringing together teachers, trade union leaders, government officials, civil society representatives, and other education stakeholders in Mogadishu to mark World Teachers’ Day, celebrating the invaluable contributions of educators to society.

In his keynote address, SNUT President Abdinasir Salad Mohamud highlighted the pivotal role of teachers in shaping the nation’s future. He emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive support for educators, advocating for fair salaries, access to healthcare, professional development opportunities, job security, and safe working conditions. Stressing the critical issue of teachers’ rights, he stated that many of these rights remain unprotected or inadequately safeguarded.

Mr. Mohamud finally called on the Somali government and international partners to urgently address these challenges, stressing that protecting teachers’ rights is both a moral obligation and essential for ensuring high-quality education and a prosperous future for the country.

The National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) thanked “all the dedicated teachers out there” “for shaping minds and inspiring hearts. Your hard work and passion don't go unnoticed!”

The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) joined the world in celebrating World Teachers’ Day, honoring “not only the teachers of today but the generations of educators and knowledge keepers who came before us. From the fireside storytellers who carried wisdom through oral tradition, to the freedom fighters who taught under trees and in secret classrooms. Our profession has always been rooted in collective struggle, shared purpose, and ancestral legacy.”

Mentioning the 2025 theme, “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,” the union affirmed “that teaching has never been a solitary act. It is a heritage of togetherness, a covenant between teacher and student, community, and society - past and future.”

It also said: “Let us recast teaching as a profession of unity, dignity, and transformation. Because when teachers stand together, societies rise together.”

SADTU went on calling on the government to ensure adequate funding for school infrastructure and to employ more teachers to eliminate overcrowded classrooms; employers to provide psychosocial support to protects teachers’ mental wellbeing; and parents, communities, and learners to play their part in creating safe and conducive environments for teachers to do their work.”

The Zimbabwe Teachers' Association (ZIMTA) also reminded on social media that teachers are the heart of education and that governments must go public, fund education, and invest in teachers.

The Progressive Teachers' Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) celebrated the world’s teachers in a stadium in Gwanda, under the theme “Well remunerated, motivated and resourced teachers: A must for quality public education.” The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and teachers’ unions attended the event.

PTUZ highlighted that “teachers in Zimbabwe deserve reasonable salaries, NOT slave wages. Well remunerated, motivated and resourced teachers: A must for quality public education.”

Asia-Pacific: Teachers have nearly become forced labor in sweatshops called schools

In Iraq, the Halabja Martyrs Branch of the Kurdistan Teachers Union (KTU) organized a ceremony to honor 141 retired teachers. KTU President Abdulwahed Mohammad Haje highlighted the vital role teachers play in shaping generations and preparing them to take on responsibilities in various fields. He pointed out that many of these retired teachers had devoted over four decades of their lives to education, sacrificing their youth in the service of teaching. He stressed that such dedication deserves respect, dignity, and the assurance of a comfortable life in retirement. The event also included poems and songs dedicated to the teaching profession.

Ahead of World Teachers’ Day, teachers and students at the call of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers Philippines (ACT-Philippines) walked out of their classes and gathered near the presidential offices in Manila on October 3rd. They demanded decent pay, salary increases, classrooms and learning resources and an end to corruption. Key slogans were: “Higher budget for education!”; “Address shortages in basic education!”; “Free, quality, publicly funded education!”; and “Salary increase for teachers!”

World Teachers’ Day was also celebrated with many activities and dances in Sri Lanka.

Holding a press conference, the National Teachers Association (NTA)/ Taiwan urged the government to listen to teachers and improve their working conditions to align with the UN Recommendations on the teaching profession and achieve quality education. The union also reminded that “only by improving working conditions can we attract talented people to education.” It also revealed the top 10 urgent demands arising from the results of union survey.

NTA president HOU repeated the union demand that wage review system should engage representatives of teacher unions to make it transparent and accountable. The unsatisfying wage and pension systems have made teaching unattractive to young talents, even those who completed teacher education.

He went on saying that the Ministry of Education should support educators, respect the teaching profession, and value teachers’ work.

He concluded by reiterating that quality education is the foundation of society and that there would be no quality education without quality teachers. “The world has been facing the crisis of teacher shortage and unsustainable education funding. Taiwan is no exception. It is obvious that the government should listen to teachers and improve their working conditions in line with the UN Recommendations.”

Europe: Teachers are and must remain at the heart of education

In France, on the eve of World Teachers' Day, the Fédération des syndicats généraux de l'Éducation nationale et de la Recherche-Confédération française démocratique du travail (SGEN-CFDT) published on its website an interview with EI President Mugwena Malukele (in French). In the interview, the EI leader presents the demands of educators, unions, and international organizations to improve the attractiveness of the teaching profession. These demands aim to address the root causes of teacher shortages and low morale, focusing on remuneration and working conditions.

The Syndicat national des enseignements de second degré-Fédération syndicale unitaire (SNES-FSU) and the Union nationale des syndicats autonomes-Éducation (UNSA-Éducation) also celebrated World Teachers’ Day.

In Germany, Gewerkschaft Erziehung und Wissenschaft (GEW) President and EI Vice-President for Europe, Maike Finnern, emphasized: “The underfunded education system, the dramatic shortage of skilled workers, and the long overdue investments endanger the future opportunities of children, young people, and adults.”

She also made it clear that “we need a signal that the urgently needed funds for education are being made available, particularly in regions and municipalities.”

As EI Vice-President, Finnern pointed to the international dimension of the issue, saying that “EI expects that by 2030 there will be a worldwide shortage of 50 million additional teachers. With its ‘Go Public! Fund Education’ campaign, the organization draws attention to the global issue of underfunding public education and the massive teacher shortage.”

The UIL Scuola/ Italy also explained that teachers are celebrated on World Teachers’ Day, “but it would be hypocritical to do it just today. Giving dignity to teachers is not a favor: it is a necessity, an act of civility.” The union insisted on the fact that” school has to be a space for growth and mutual responsibility. Respect is needed, for those who work there, for students.”

On October 1st, 2025, the Education and Science Trade Union Federation from Moldova (ESTUF) marked World Teachers’ Day with a festive event brought together education professionals and trade union members to honor the value and contribution of teachers and reaffirm their role in shaping the future. Congratulatory messages were delivered by ESTUF President Ghenadie Donos, State Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Research Valentina Olaru, and the President of the National Confederation of Trade Unions of Moldova Igor Zubcu. In recognition of their outstanding professional and trade union engagement, several members received diplomas of merit and special awards.

Participants also joined a workshop dedicated to the implementation of the new Branch-Level Collective Agreement for 2026–2030 signed between ESTUF and the Ministry of Education in August 2025.

“World Teachers’ Day is an important moment to reflect on our collective achievements and to reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights and interests of education employees. Teachers must remain at the heart of education. This day is dedicated to the professionals who shape the future daily in classrooms. Our mission is to ensure that teachers are well-trained, well-supported, and adequately remunerated, while urging authorities to invest in educators and quality public education,” emphasized Mr. Donos.

The Federação Nacional da Educação (FNE) of Portugal started the “In two words” campaign in mainland Portugal, the Azores and Madeira, holding banners and organizing visits to schools until December 2025. A ‘Thank you, teacher’ flag was also raised in schools from October 1st-6th. The union further: Launched the online portal “www.simplicare.pt” to collect teachers' proposals aiming to simplify and reduce bureaucracy in schools; Held an online professional training workshop - Teaching with an Intelligent Assistant - A magical support for teaching - on October 3rd ; Held a pedagogical meeting - ‘The future of education and the role of emotions’ – on October 4th, in Porto; And held many union meetings in schools.

In Spain, the Confederación de Sindicatos de Trabajadoras y Trabajadores de la Enseñanza – Intersindical (STEs-Intersindical) branch in Valencia reaffirmed its “indestructible commitment to the public school and to the essential role of education workers in building a more just, equitable, inclusive and democratic society. Uniting for teaching is, without a doubt, uniting for the future of humanity.” It also demanded that “a new social pact for education be adopted that recognizes the invaluable value of our work.”

Reminding that education goes through to great transformation, it went on acknowledging that the EI Go Public! campaign and the UN Recommendations on the Teaching Profession, “demand immediate and courageous action. Recognition is not enough; Real commitment and necessary investment are essential.”

In Türkiye, Eğitim Sen reaffirmed that “quality education is only possible with qualified, free, and secure teachers.” The union demanded that: Teacher training policies be arranged according to scientific principles; All teachers be employed on a permanent and secure basis; All colleagues unjustly and unlawfully dismissed be immediately reinstated in their positions; and the prestige of our profession be re-established.

Latin America: Teachers make public education an act of resistance and transformation

The Confederación de Trabajadoras y Trabajadores de la Educación de la República Argentina (CTERA) reaffirmed its “commitment to public education and the teaching profession that educates, resists, and builds hope”.

In Brazil, the Confederação Nacional dos Trabalhadores em Educação (CNTE) celebrated “everyone who makes public education an act of resistance, affection, and transformation.” The union also noted that educators, “inside and outside the classroom, build peace, democracy and social justice, even in the face of everyday challenges. United, we continue to defend career valuation, the freedom to teach, and the right of every person to an emancipating education.”

In Uruguay, the Federación Nacional de Profesores de Educación Secundaria (FeNaPES) issued a statement of solidarity with Palestinian colleagues: “NO MORE GENOCIDE. Peace, justice, and freedom.” The union called on people to join them for a March for Palestine.

North America-Caribbean: Teachers are central to have an educated population exerting critical thinking

In Canada, the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE) recognized that “teachers make our lives better. This World Teachers’ Day, and every day, we celebrate teachers who play a crucial role in our lives – leaving a lasting, positive impact on students, families, and the world.”

“We must take the time to celebrate World Teachers’ Day, because a society that wants to evolve, grow, flourish, and prosper needs to have an educated population. This population, when educated, avoids ideological excesses,” Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ) President Eric Gingras explained. He added: “In 2025, we must take the time to think about this. A big thank you to the teachers who are central to this idea of having an educated population, attentive to what is happening, exerting critical thinking. Thank you to all teachers.”

CSQ also used October 5th to support the request for the teacher-student relationship to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. “Education International, of which CSQ is a member, is calling on UNESCO to officially recognize the teacher-student relationship as a heritage of humanity. This initiative aims to highlight the universal importance of this foundational educational bond. Such recognition would mark a turning point in valuing the profession.”

In his World Teachers’ Day message, Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) President, Mark Malabver, stressed that the 2025 theme for World Teachers’ Day, Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession, “resonates deeply with us in Jamaica, where the teaching profession has long been a cornerstone of nation-building. It reminds us that education is not simply about instruction, but about creating spaces of shared growth, mutual respect, and collective progress. Our classrooms, schools, and communities thrive not through the isolated effort of any one individual, but through the synergy that emerges when teachers, parents, students, administrators, and policymakers work hand in hand. In an era when education systems face immense challenges, ranging from rapid technological change to social inequities, the call for collaboration is both urgent and necessary. Together, we can reimagine schools not merely as institutions of learning, but as communities of practice. that nurture the minds, spirits, and characters of every child.”

He concluded: “Let us recommit to the work of building not only strong schools, but strong communities of practice, where every teacher, every student, and every partner in education walks together. Teaching is not a solitary endeavor, but a shared journey of growth, transformation, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.”

In Mexico, the Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (SNTE) expressed its gratitude “to “those who, with dedication and daily commitment, make it possible for education to continue being a driver of social transformation.”

In the United States of America, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) insisted on the fact that “teachers do more than teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic. They open students' eyes to what's possible, and give them the tools they need to thrive”.

The National Education Union (NEA) also explained that “the best way to thank teachers is to support, respect, and pay them fairly.”

This year again, education unions worldwide used October 5th as a great opportunity to celebrate how teachers are transforming education, as well as societies, but also to reflect on the support they need to fully deploy their talent and vocation, and to rethink the way ahead for the profession globally.

World Teachers’ Day was first observed in 1994, marking the anniversary of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. This recommendation sets global standards for the rights, responsibilities, and working conditions of teachers.