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When is World Teachers' Day? (2025)

by Joleen Gan on May 01, 2025

World Teachers' Day is a global celebration recognising the invaluable contributions of educators in shaping our society. Across Australia's 9500+ schools, over 4 million students per year rely on teachers who go beyond textbooks - offering encouragement, structure, and care. This day holds special significance as we honour the dedication and passion of these teachers and the difference they make in every classroom. Whether you're a student, parent, or fellow educator, it's an opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation for those who inspire and educate.

What is World Teachers’ Day?

World Teachers’ Day is a globally recognised event dedicated to celebrating educators and their role in shaping the future of our world. It’s a day to pause and appreciate the tireless work of teachers—those who not only impart knowledge but also nurture curiosity, resilience, and empathy in students. While the date itself is rooted in UNESCO’s 1994 declaration, its spirit is universal: to honour educators from early childhood to university, and to advocate for their continued support and professional growth.

History of World Teachers’ Day

The inception of World Teachers’ Day traces back to 1994 when UNESCO proclaimed October 5th as a day to honour teachers worldwide. This date marks the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation, which set benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers. Over the years, this observance has grown, with various countries adopting the celebration to suit their academic calendars, ensuring that the contributions of educators are recognised globally.

Why is World Teachers’ Day Important?

Teachers are the backbone of our education system, shaping the minds of future generations. World Teachers’ Day serves as a reminder of the critical role educators play in fostering intellectual growth, critical thinking, and moral values. It's a day to celebrate their commitment, highlight the challenges they face, and advocate for better support and resources to enhance the teaching profession.

The Impact of World Teachers’ Day

Celebrating this day brings attention to the importance of education and the need to support teachers. It encourages communities to value and invest in education, recognising that empowered teachers lead to empowered students. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to address issues such as teacher shortages, training, and working conditions, aiming to improve the overall quality of education.

The Impact of Teachers

Teachers do far more than deliver lessons—they help shape the character, confidence, and aspirations of every student they meet. From early childhood educators to university professors, their guidance leaves a lasting imprint. Teachers often serve as mentors, role models, and trusted adults in a young person's life, helping to develop not only academic abilities but also emotional and social skills that students carry into adulthood.

When is Teachers’ Day?

Internationally, World Teachers’ Day is celebrated on October 5th each year. However, in Australia, this date often falls during school holidays.

When is Teachers’ Day in Australia?

To ensure active participation from schools and communities, Australia observes World Teachers’ Day on the last Friday of October. In 2025, this will be on Friday, 31 October 2025.

Upcoming World Teachers’ Day Dates for the Next 5 Years

Year Date
2025 Friday, 31 October
2026 Friday, 30 October
2027 Friday, 29 October
2028 Friday, 27 October
2029 Friday, 26 October

World Teachers’ Day vs. Early Childhood Educators’ Day

What’s the difference?

While both days celebrate educators, World Teachers’ Day encompasses all teaching professionals, whereas Early Childhood Educators’ Day specifically honours those working with young children in early learning settings.

Why both days matter in Australia

Recognising both days ensures that educators at all levels receive the appreciation they deserve. Early childhood educators lay the foundation for lifelong learning, making their role just as vital as that of teachers in primary, secondary, and tertiary education.

World Teachers’ Day 2025 Theme and Past Themes

Each year, a theme is chosen to guide the celebration and recognise the role of teachers in transforming education. These themes often reflect pressing global education goals, social values, and the continued importance of inclusive, quality teaching. While the 2025 theme hasn’t been released yet, past themes have included:

  • 2024: Valuing teacher voices: towards a new social contract for education
  • 2023:  The teachers we need for the education we want
  • 2022: “The transformation of education begins with teachers”
  • 2021: “Teachers at the heart of education recovery”
  • 2020: “Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future”

How to Appreciate Your Teachers on World Teachers’ Day

Expressing gratitude doesn't require grand gestures. Simple acts of appreciation can make a significant impact.

Appreciation Ideas for Early Educators

  • Handmade cards from children
  • Personalised storybooks featuring the educator
  • Group photo albums capturing memorable moments

Appreciation Ideas for Primary School Teachers

  • Classroom supplies bundled in a decorative basket
  • Customised stationery sets
  • Organising a class performance or song

Appreciation Ideas for Secondary School Teachers

  • Gift cards to bookstores or cafes
  • Personalised mugs or water bottles
  • Letters from students sharing how the teacher impacted them

Appreciation Ideas for University Professors

  • Professional development course vouchers
  • Academic journal subscriptions
  • Thank-you notes highlighting specific lectures or mentorship moments

Ways Schools Can Celebrate World Teachers’ Day

Primary School Celebration Ideas

  • Decorate classrooms with student-made posters
  • Host a special assembly recognising teachers
  • Organise a morning tea for staff

High School and Secondary Ideas

  • Feature teacher profiles in the school newsletter
  • Create a 'Wall of Appreciation' where students post notes
  • Arrange a themed dress-up day honouring teachers

Staff Room and Admin-Inclusive Ideas

  • Surprise snack bar or lunch delivery
  • Group gratitude video featuring staff and students
  • Thank-you notes from school leadership

How Parents Can Get Involved in Celebrating World Teachers’ Day

DIY Gift Ideas with Kids

  • Homemade cookies or cupcakes
  • A drawing or photo turned into a custom card
  • Painted plant pots or DIY candles

Writing a Family Thank-You Letter

A thoughtful letter from the whole family can be incredibly meaningful, especially when it mentions specific memories or milestones.

Organising a Class Group Gift

Team up with other parents to contribute to a larger gift—like a curated hamper or a voucher for a local restaurant or spa.

World Teachers’ Day Gift Ideas

Budget-Friendly World Teachers’ Day Gift Ideas

  • A coffee voucher
  • Baked treats and dessert boxes
  • Personalised bookmarks or stationery

Group Gift Ideas for World Teachers’ Day

  • A class photo album with notes from each student
  • Custom gift hamper with cupcakes, candles or tea
  • A shared donation to an education charity in their name

Last-Minute World Teachers’ Day

  • Edible gift delivery
  • E-gift cards
  • A heartfelt email or voice message

As one of Australia's biggest edible gifting companies, we've been delivering thoughtful, personalised gifts all across Australia. Celebrate World Teachers’ Day with cupcakes, brownies, cookies, or donuts—customised with your message or photo. Want to make it extra memorable? Add a confetti explosion that bursts with colour when the box is opened. Hosting a morning tea or staff celebration? Our bulk packs are perfect for sharing and can be branded for schools or corporate gifting. And if you’ve left it a little late, don’t stress—we offer same-day delivery in Melbourne and next-business-day delivery Australia-wide. Explore our full range of Teachers' Day gifts to find the perfect way to say thank you.

World Teachers’ Day Quotes

Show your appreciation with meaningful messages—whether you're writing in a card or decorating your school with printed posters.

Teachers’ Day Cards

Use these appreciation quotes in your cards to let teachers know just how valued they are:

  • "Thank you for being the heart of our classroom and the reason we love to learn."
  • "Your kindness, wisdom, and guidance make all the difference—thank you for everything."
  • "Not all superheroes wear capes—some teach. We’re so lucky to have you."
  • "You inspire minds and touch hearts every single day. Happy Teachers’ Day!"
  • "For all the lessons taught and all the patience given—thank you for being amazing."

Display Quotes for World Teachers’ Day

These appreciation quotes are perfect for posters and signs displayed around your school to celebrate teachers and the incredible impact they make:

  • "Thank you for helping us grow, learn, and believe in ourselves."
  • "A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others."
  • "Your dedication, patience, and passion never go unnoticed. Thank you for everything."
  • "Behind every successful student is an exceptional teacher. We’re grateful for you."
  • "To the world, you may be just a teacher. But to your students, you are a hero."

Conclusion

World Teachers’ Day 2025 is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a reminder to stop and say thank you to those who teach, guide, and inspire. Whether it’s your child’s kindy teacher, your high school mentor, or your uni lecturer, don’t miss the chance to make them feel valued.

Got a favourite teacher memory? Share it, tag them, or even better—tell them directly. For Teachers' Day gifting ideas, explore our full range of Teachers' Day gifts here.

Happy Teachers Day, Australia!

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