World Teachers’ Day, organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is celebrated annually on October 5. It commemorates the important contributions of teachers around the world. This day has been celebrated since 1994, allowing students to appreciate the role that teachers play in shaping lives. By taking a moment to offer a gift, write a letter or give a flower, you can thank your teachers for their involvement in your education and your life.
This year’s theme is “Teachers at the heart of education recovery”. With the world facing many challenges during Covid-19, teachers played a big role maintaining our education and helping students to cope with the new changes. Teachers have had a major impact throughout the pandemic and are truly at the heart of education recovery.
One of the biggest changes in education has been the transition to online classes. Teachers, tutors and educators have had to teach in a totally new setting, turn to new methods of teaching, dealt with technological issues and have had to guide students and parents to these new changes.
Ana B. – ESL Teacher
Like many teachers around the world, Ana, specialized in ESL English, saw an increase in stress over the past year. To help students who were struggling at school, she tutored online and guided students through the changes. She taught students how to use Google Classroom, hand in their assignments on Google Drive and held group classes on Google Meet. At Wiziya, we want to take a moment to thank Ana, and tutors like her for their hard work.
Here are some fun ways to celebrate World Teachers’ Day that will make your teacher feel special:
1) Send a letter or an e-card telling your teacher how they’ve made a difference this year. Describe your favorite memories or write about the ways your teacher helped you learn something. Be creative with your thank-you card by making drawings, adding stickers or using this coloring card to brighten your teacher’s day.
2) Get your teacher’s favorite morning drink, like coffee or tea, and get them to start their day with a little treat. If you want to go the extra mile, try offering them a gift basket filled with goodies they’d enjoy, or gift a "Super Teacher design shirt" to make your teacher feel like the hero they are. You can also get a gift card for dining, coffee, treats or classroom supplies.
3) One of the most loving ways to surprise your teacher is with a stress relief gift. Make a stress relief gift basket with their favorite chocolate, a good book, herbal teas and relaxing candles to make your teacher feel better. You can also help your teacher during stressful times by offering a stress ball or ease anxiety with an essential oil roller and fill it up with frankincense or lavender essential oils.
4) If the whole class can participate, then put together a classroom thank-you book with notes and pictures from every student. Brighten your teacher’s mood by decorating the classroom and hanging up supportive messages on your teacher’s door. Every student can also record a video, to show their appreciation. You can also do something more special, try an eco-friendly approach and plant a tree in honor of your teacher in your local community, through Arbor Day Foundation or The Trees Remember.
5) On this special day, we don’t want to forget to thank our hardworking tutors. At Wiziya, we appreciate and thank all of our tutors for their efforts, contribution and dedication. Make sure to do something memorable with them at your next tutoring session. Grab a bowl of snacks and watch a movie, play a fun game, do arts and crafts with your tutor, or make your session cheerful with one of these Zoom backgrounds.
Use the hashtag #wiziya to show us your creative gifts and ideas for World Teachers' Day.
6) To learn more about World Teachers’ Day, you can participate in UNESCO's five-day series of events, join the talks organized by the British Council and the MacMillan English webinar.
7) During World Teacher Day, use the hashtag #WorldTeachersDay on social media to share how teachers, tutors and educators make a difference in your life. Join a community of educators to share your memories, discuss the challenges of education over the past year, and get tips and advice from teachers and tutors.
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Michelle is an ESL English tutor at Wiziya, from Montreal, Canada. After completing her formal education as an interpreter/translator, she moved to Colombia and worked at numerous international schools. She has worked in both international and local schools as well as the corporate world and has many years of experience as a private English ESL tutor. To learn more about Michelle, check out her profile page.
Confucius was the first private teacher. He believed that all people and societies benefit from a lifetime of wisdom and a moral approach.
“Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember; involve me and I will understand.”
― Confucius
