Just like Mother’s Day and Fathers’ Day have us celebrating people who shape who we are, why shouldn’t we celebrate teachers the same way? Well, guess what: many countries actually do! Let’s take a look at just how that goes down in some places!
South Korea: Respect for Educators on Teacher's Day
Teachers are a big deal in South Korean culture, and with Teacher’s Day falling on May 15th, it’s the next best thing to your birthday if you’re teaching on the peninsula.
One of the most cherished customs is gifting carnations and handwritten notes. It’s hardly a surprise to see teachers’ faces almost completely hidden behind bushels of flowers as they make their way home at the end of the day! And the gifts, especially at international schools, are often enough to make you want to hop on a plane with a Korean teaching contract in your back pocket asap!
What makes Korea’s celebration really stand out, however, is how it celebrate teachers both past and present. Former students sometimes visit their teachers to reminisce and show respect, reinforcing the close teacher-student bond central to Korean culture.
Canada: The Warmth of Teacher Appreciation Day
Canada celebrates Teacher Appreciation Day in May, coinciding with the larger Teacher Appreciation Week observed across North America. While the focus is on small, personal gestures, the impact can be really heartfelt.
Students surprise their teachers with handwritten notes, creative drawings, or even a classroom performance or two. Parents and communities get involved by providing breakfast spreads, organizing potlucks, or giving thoughtful gifts like gift certificates to their favorite coffee shops (yes, please!).
Students also share messages of thanks on social media, sometimes even reconnecting with former teachers to express their gratitude. These small acts of kindness create a ripple effect, fostering stronger connections within school communities.
United Arab Emirates: Teachers' Day with a Global Touch
Other than the many long holidays for teachers in the UAE, every educator loves October 5th because it’s “World Teachers’ Day.”
Students often express their gratitude through handwritten notes, or even gifts. And with the lavish lifestyles of the UAE, you can be sure that some of those gifts can be pretty fancy!
Schools often organize events, assemblies and workshops to honor teachers’ contributions and professional development.
Thailand: Teachers' Day Rooted in Tradition
“Wan Wai Kru” (Teachers’ Day) kicks off every January 16th, an event of respect tied to the core of Thai culture.
Students kneel before their teachers in a gesture of humility and present symbolic offerings, including candles for wisdom, incense, and gorgeous floral arrangements for respect and humility.
Schools also put together activities and competitions for teachers to kick back and destress. It’s easy to see Thailand really love their teachers and do what it takes to show them how much they care!
United Kingdom: A Week of Gratitude
In the UK, “National Thank a Teacher Day” is celebrated every June, and the recognition doesn’t stop there. It’s quite common for schools to set aside a whole week to thank teachers, creating a vibrant atmosphere of appreciation.
Students craft personalized thank you cards, while parent-teacher associations organize small gatherings or treats. Some schools even host award ceremonies to highlight outstanding contributions by teachers – how cool is that?
The school boards are even jumping on social media by encouraging people nationwide to share their favorite teacher memories using hashtags like #ThankATeacher.
What These Celebrations Teach Us
These traditions remind us that educators are not just working professionals; they’re mentors, role models, and life-changers. You’re most likely already one of them yourself, which is probably why you’re reading this right now! So check out our EDU Jobs boards for opportunities not just in the countries above, but in the place that is just the right fit for YOU. It’s time you get recognized, so get set to launch your teaching career to a dream destination, where respect and gratitude for teachers go hand in hand.