World Teachers’ Day During Covid 19
Across the world, teachers have experienced many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. This month they will be recognised for all their hard work in the learning environment with the events of World Teachers’ Day.
The day takes place on 5 October 2021 in most countries and on 29 October 2021 in Australia. Most events are happening virtually due to the current situation. But this will not detract from the importance of recognising the contribution of teachers which has recently been especially valuable.
Key points
- World Teachers’ Day takes place on 5 October 2021 in most participating countries.
- In Australia, the day takes place on 29 October 2021 due to school holidays earlier in the month.
- Every year World Teachers’ Day takes place and has done since it first happened in 1994.
- Most of the program for this year’s event is online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Covered outdoor learning area
What is World Teachers’ Day?
World Teachers’ Day was established in 1994 and commemorates the signing of the UNESCO/ILO Recommendation in 1996 which involved a recommendation concerning the status of teachers.
The event is celebrated in more than 100 countries globally. Each year, the main aim of the event is to raise the profile of teachers in the world and provide a better understanding of what they do. It’s also a time when awards ceremonies take place providing an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of people working in the teaching profession.
World Teachers’ Day 2021
The key theme for World Teachers’ Day 2021 is “Teachers at the heart of education recovery.” The official global events will be opened online by Ms. Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO’s Director-General, on 5 October 2021.
Following this speech, there will be statements from the Heads of Co-Convening Partners, UNICEF, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and Education International (EI).
The virtual events taking place as part of this year’s event are listed online. They begin on 4 October 2021 and end on 8 October 2021.
Why is World Teachers’ Day Australia on a Different Date?
Although the international World Teachers’ Day is held at the beginning of October, the situation is different in Australia where World Teachers’ Day takes place on 29 October 2021. The reason for the difference in date is that the date of the global event normally falls during school holidays in Australia.
The event may happen slightly later in Australia than in other countries, but the premise is the same. The day is an opportunity to recognise the value of these essential professionals and the important role they play.
Events in Australia for World Teachers’ Day
This year, the main program for World Teachers’ Day has gone online due to the global pandemic. This program varies in different countries and in different states within Australia.
For example, Educators SA is hosting the World Teachers’ Day Awards for South Australia while in Queensland, registered Queensland teachers can be nominated for the TEACHX Awards. These awards are hosted by the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT). The winners will be announced on 28 October 2021, during a virtual ceremony.
Nominations for the awards have closed. The 221 nominees have progressed through three rounds of judging with a winner being chosen for each category. The winners are due to be notified in early October.
People are also being encouraged to share their local events across social media using #TEACHX. These events may be virtual or face to face depending on any local restrictions.
Overall, we celebrate World Teachers’ Day to recognise teachers across the globe. Given the difficult time educators have experienced lately, this year’s event is likely to be more welcome than ever.
