Teachers’ Day: A Celebration of Teachers
By: Dr. Reyaz Ahmad
Teacher’s Day is a unique event honoring and celebrating the work that educators do throughout the world. It’s a day dedicated to celebrating the efforts, commitment, and influence of educators on the development of kids’ brains and futures. On this day, communities and students show their appreciation for teachers in several ways, such as by planning events, sending cards, and sending flowers.
The History of Teacher’s Day
The history of Teacher’s Day varies per nation and is frequently connected to the anniversary of the birth or passing of a well-known teacher or other influential person in the field of education. For example, Teacher’s Day is observed in India on September 5, which also happens to be the birth anniversary of eminent philosopher and the country’s second president, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
Rather than celebrating his birthday as his pupils had requested, Dr. Radhakrishnan proposed that they recognize it as Teacher’s Day, in honor of all teachers. Similarly, as part of Teacher Appreciation Week, National Teacher’s Day is observed in the United States on the first Tuesday in May.
Why Is Teacher’s Day Celebrated?
In honor of the critical role that educators play in the advancement of both individuals and society as a whole, Teacher’s Day is observed. Instructors instill knowledge, encourage critical thinking, and motivate students to follow their goals. They act as mentors, assisting students with both their academic and personal development. This day acts as a reminder of the enormous responsibility teachers bear as well as the long-lasting effects they have on the lives of their students.
What Makes Teacher’s Day Important?
There are various reasons why it is significant to celebrate Teacher’s Day. It gives communities and children a chance to express their gratitude for teachers’ hard work, which frequently goes unappreciated. It also emphasizes the value of education and the part educators play in paving the way for a better future. In addition, Teacher’s Day provides an opportunity for reflection on the difficulties teachers encounter and the assistance they require to carry out their vital profession.
Teachers’ National Awards
Teacher’s Day is also a chance in several nations to present national honors to exceptional teachers. These honors are given to educators who have significantly advanced the field of education and improved the lives of their pupils. For instance, the President of India bestows the National Awards to Teachers for educators who have shown exceptional teaching abilities and unwavering dedication to their vocation. These honors highlight the importance of a top-notch education while also celebrating individual accomplishments.
Challenges Faced by Teachers
While it’s great to celebrate Teacher’s Day, it’s also critical to recognize the difficulties that educators confront on a daily basis. Teachers frequently face difficult working circumstances, such as big class sizes, little resources, and low pay. They are entrusted, frequently without enough assistance, with attending to the many requirements of their students. In addition, teachers now have an even greater workload because of the constant need to upgrade their abilities due to the advancement of technology and the needs of modern education. These difficulties can cause stress and burnout, therefore it’s critical to solve them in order to guarantee that teachers are able to carry out their responsibilities in an efficient manner.
An International View of Teacher’s Day
Around the world, there are many different ways to commemorate Teacher’s Day, with each nation adding its own special cultural flair. Teacher’s Day is observed on September 10th in China, where children honor their instructors by giving them modest presents or handwritten notes.
On October 15, Brazil celebrates Teacher’s Day, honoring the passage of a legislation that established the nation’s public education system. On October 5, UNESCO also observes World Teachers’ Day, a day dedicated to raising international standards for the teaching profession and bringing attention to global concerns that teachers face.
Conclusion: More than merely a day for celebration, Teacher’s Day invites us to consider the vital role educators play in both our personal and societal contexts. It serves as a reminder of how crucial it is to value and support educators, making sure they have the tools and respect they are due. In addition to honoring educators on this day, let’s resolve to solve the issues they confront so they can keep motivating and instructing future generations.
(The author teaches at Faculty of Mathematics, Department of General Education SUC, Sharjah, UAE)
