We’re a little late in posting this, but the reflections shared in this piece remain just as relevant today as they were when originally published. On Teacher’s Day, we revisited a thoughtful article written by Amanda and Tina, 2017 Alumni of the Teach For Malaysia Fellowship and passionate education advocates.
Did you know why May 16th is celebrated as Teachers’ Day in Malaysia?
It’s not a random date — it holds historical significance. According to Amanda and Tina’s article, Malaysia commemorates Teachers’ Day on May 16th because it marks the day the Razak Report was formally endorsed by the Federal Legislative Assembly in 1956 — a foundational moment in shaping Malaysia’s national education system, just a year before independence.
As we celebrate Teachers’ Day this month, it’s also a great opportunity to explore how other countries honour their educators. Amanda Yeo (2017 Alumna) reached out to teaching alumni from around the world via Teach For All Network Connectors, asking what Teachers’ Day looks like in their part of the world.
The result? 19 Alumni from 13 different countries responded — and their stories, captured in this article, offer a rich and sometimes surprising glimpse into the global celebration of teachers. Here are some snippets from the piece:
Kate, Australia
We celebrate World Teachers’ Day in October. There is normally a whole-school assembly dedicated to celebrate all the teachers in our community. In terms of gifts, in 2020, all teachers received a little succulent plant, symbolising the growth in learning.
A memorable experience for me would be when a class within the school drew portraits of every teacher, and then the students hand delivered them to the respective teachers. The joy on the little ones’ faces giving me their ‘stunning’ drawings of me was rather cute.
In Australia, teachers, and in fact, ALL educators are celebrated. This is the culture within my workplace anyway!
Mingma, Nepal
Different schools celebrate Teachers’ Day on different days. A few of them celebrate it on the same date as the International Teachers’ Day while most of them celebrate it on the full moon day in mid-July.
Most of the schools have events planned for teachers on Teachers’ Day. Once again, the culture differs from each school, but the common theme is having a programme to celebrate the teachers with performances, gifts, and food. Some teachers may even get a holiday!
I wasn’t at school in both years when I was a teacher, so I didn’t receive any gifts. But a few had given me stationery and some chocolates, which another teacher kept for me. I have no particular memorable experience. When I was a student, I was just glad that there would be no class on that day.
In my country, Teachers’ Day is a day when teachers in all fields are celebrated as gods. It is considered sacred and ritualistic in some places and all teachers are treated specially on that day.
Sai, India
In India, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on September 5th since 1962, as it is the birth anniversary of the second President of India, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
Radhakrishnan, who served as the first Vice President of India (1952–1962) was one of India’s most distinguished 20th century scholars of comparative religion and philosophy. He believed that “teachers should be the best minds in the country”. Throughout his academic and political life, he received several awards, including a knighthood in 1931, the Bharat Ratna in 1954, and honorary membership of the British Royal Order of Merit in 1963. He was also one of the founders of Helpage India, a non-profit organisation for underprivileged elders in India.
When he became the President of India, some of his students requested to celebrate his birthday on September 5th. In a response, he said, “Instead of celebrating my birthday, it would be my proud privilege if September 5th is observed as Teachers’ Day.” Since then, his birthday is celebrated as Teachers’ Day in India.
Oskars, Latvia
We celebrate Teachers’ Day on the first Sunday of October. Usually, older students will conduct lessons for smaller kids. Students bring flowers to the school for their teachers. Older students put on concerts for their teachers, playing instruments, singing songs and saying thank you for the work teachers are doing. In my school, usually, there is a teachers’ field trip organised by the students and the school administration.
When I was in 10th or 11th grade, we prepared a surprise Teachers’ Day concert for our teachers in secret. Students read poetry, sang songs, and played different musical instruments. Classrooms were decorated with autumn leaves and smelled wonderful. If I remember correctly, some of the teachers started crying during the students’ performances. They were so happy.
Closing Thoughts
As we reflect on the voices of teachers from across the globe, one thing is clear: while each country celebrates differently, the heart of teaching is universal — a deep commitment to shaping lives and building brighter futures. This Teachers’ Day, we honour not just those in our own classrooms but the entire global community of educators working tirelessly to make education equitable, inspiring, and transformative. Thank you for all that you do.
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