World Teachers' Day 2003

World Teachers' Day is observed on 5 October, recalling the 1966 UNESCO/ILO recommendation on teachers' status. It celebrates educators while drawing attention to the support, rights and resources needed for quality teaching.

World Teachers' Day is observed on 5 October to recognise teachers and to focus attention on the conditions needed for quality education. UNESCO established the annual observance in 1994. The date commemorates the adoption on 5 October 1966 of the UNESCO/ILO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, an international standard addressing teachers' rights, responsibilities, preparation, recruitment, employment conditions and professional freedom. A later recommendation extended related principles to higher-education teaching personnel. The day therefore goes beyond thanking individual teachers; it draws attention to teacher shortages, training, workload, professional development, safety, social status and the resources educators need to support learners well. UNESCO, the ILO, UNICEF and Education International often work together around an annual theme. Schools and education systems mark the day through recognition programmes, discussions and activities celebrating educators while examining how societies can attract, prepare and retain capable teachers.

Honours educators and calls for professional respect, good training, fair working conditions and quality education for every learner.

Teacher-recognition events, student appreciation, education-policy discussions and professional-development activities; no religious rites.

UNESCO's global observance is 5 October; India's National Teachers' Day is 5 September and is a separate date and commemoration.