World Teachers’ Day 2025: History, Objectives, Famous Teachers, Quotes

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated every year on October 5. This day is dedicated to appreciating teachers and the significant role they play in shaping society. Teachers guide, inspire, and educate children. They help students learn new skills, develop values, and become responsible citizens.

The purpose of World Teachers’ Day is to honour teachers all over the world. It celebrates that teachers are essential for building a strong and knowledgeable society. By celebrating this day, we show respect to those who dedicate their lives to education and encourage young people to value learning. Teachers help students grow emotionally and socially.

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World Teachers’ Day History

World Teachers’ Day was started to be celebrated for the first time by UNESCO in 1994. UNESCO is a global organisation that works to improve education, culture, and science. 

• The World Teachers’ Day Date marks an agreement signed in 1966 by the United Nations and the International Labour Organisation, called the Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. 

• The agreement provides all the details related to the standards for teachers’ rights, responsibilities, and working conditions across the world.

• The primary aim behind celebrating World Teachers’ Day is to raise awareness about the importance of teachers. It also highlights the need to provide teachers with proper support, fair salaries, and professional development. 

• World Teachers’ Day has become a global celebration in the present times. Countries from around the world organise events and programs to honour teachers.

World Teachers’ Day 2025 Theme

The official World Teachers’ Day 2025 theme is “Recasting teaching as a collaborative profession”. The theme highlights the transformative potential of the teachers, schools, and the education system. Through this theme, UNESCO wants to focus on strengthening teaching, learning, and teachers’ professional fulfilment. This is to be done by reframing teaching as a collaborative approach of policies, practices, and environment that value mutual support and shared expertise.

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Objectives of World Teachers’ Day

World Teachers’ Day UNESCO focuses on the importance of teacher welfare. It is believed that a happy teacher can provide better education, create a positive learning environment, and inspire students to do their best. The day encourages society to respect teachers and recognise the value of quality education.

The main objectives of World Teachers’ Day are as follows:

• Appreciation: To thank teachers for their hard work and dedication.

• Awareness: To make people understand the challenges teachers face in their daily work.

• Advocacy: To promote better working conditions, salaries, and professional development opportunities for teachers.

World Teachers’ Day Celebrations

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated in several ways across the world. In some countries, several cultural events and award ceremonies are organised to honour the teachers, whereas in other countries, schools and colleges take the lead in celebrating the contribution of their teachers.

• Schools and Colleges: Students organise events to honour the teachers, such as performing cultural programs, essay writing, and poem recitation competition. Teachers are also invited to speak about their experiences and share stories.

• Community Events: Local communities in different countries host programs, awards, and local gatherings to celebrate the contribution of teachers to society.

• Government Programs: Several countries present awards to outstanding teachers for their dedication and contribution. Several governments organise conferences and workshops to discuss teacher training and education policies.

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Famous Teachers and Educationists in India

India is blessed with a rich history of teachers and educationists who have inspired generations. These teachers embody the values celebrated on World Teachers’ Day, which include dedication, compassion, and the desire to uplift society through education. Some of the most notable include:

1. Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan: He was a philosopher and the second President of independent India. He believed that teaching is the noblest profession. His birthday, September 5, is celebrated as Teacher’s Day in India.

2. Swami Vivekananda: He was a spiritual leader and teacher who inspired young people with ideas about education, self-discipline, and service to society.

3. Savitribai Phule: She was a social reformer and teacher who worked to educate girls and women in India. She started schools for underprivileged children in the 19th century.

4. Anand Kumar: He is known for the Super 30 program, which trains underprivileged students for competitive exams like the IIT-JEE. His work has helped thousands of students achieve academic success.

5. Rukmini Devi Arundale: She was a teacher of classical Indian dance and arts. She promoted cultural education and encouraged students to explore Indian heritage.

World Teachers’ Day Quotes

World Teacher’s Day is also a time to share inspiring words about teachers and education. Here are some quotes:

“A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite imagination, and instil a love of learning.” – Brad Henry

“Teaching is the one profession that creates all other professions.” – Unknown

“The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.” – Mark Van Doren

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World Teachers’ Day UPSC

World Teacher’s Day is also important for students preparing for UPSC exams. Questions about this day can appear in Prelims, Mains, and Current Affairs sections.

• Prelims: Candidates may be asked about the date of celebration, origin, or UNESCO’s role in establishing World Teacher’s Day.

• Mains (GS Paper 2 & 3): Aspirants can write about education policies, teacher welfare, and the importance of quality education in nation-building. Topics may include government initiatives to support teachers or challenges in the education sector.

• Current Affairs: News related to awards, programs, or recognitions for teachers often appears in newspapers and is relevant for UPSC preparation.