The day was established in 1994. This day serves as an opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation for teachers' pivotal role in the development of societies worldwide. This decision was made to commemorate a historic event that holds great significance for teachers and educators. 

On 5 October 1966, a special intergovernmental conference convened by UNESCO adopted the 'Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.' This document outlines teachers' rights and responsibilities and sets international standards for professional development, recruitment and working conditions.

The teachers we need for the education we want: the global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage.

This year’s theme highlights a critical issue with solid consequences on education worldwide, the shortage of qualified teachers is a pressing concern in many countries, with millions of students lacking access to quality education due to the lack of trained educators. 

The shortage of teachers is about more than quantity but also about quality. Indeed, effective and well-trained teachers are essential to developing a meaningful and equitable education. They inspire and help students to develop their skills and critical thinking to succeed in the modern world.

As a result, the 2023 celebration aims to raise the importance of stopping the decrease in the number of teachers and then starting to increase that number at the top of the global agenda. 

The event will advocate for a dignified and valued profession, assess teachers’ obstacles, and implement inspiring practices to attract, retain and encourage teachers and educators across various activities. It will also explore how education systems, societies, communities, and families acknowledge and constructively support teachers and educators.

Better Internet for Kids for World Teacher’s Day

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, education has extended beyond the traditional classroom, accelerating the adoption of online learning. At Better Internet for Kids, our mission is to ensure a safe and enriching online experience for children and young people.  We work with teachers and educators to equip children and young people with the digital and media literacy skills needed to use the digital environment responsibly, respectfully and creatively.

Learn more about our work and initiatives: 

• The Teacher corner is a section of the BIK portal entirely dedicated to teachers, educators and other adults who work with children and young people. It is your 'one-stop shop' for learning and teaching about digital citizenship and online safety. It is your go-to place for free information, advice, and suggested resources to empower you to educate and support youth to navigate their digital world safely.
• The Back2school campaign is a campaign that is aimed at anyone working with children and young people to educate them on a safer and better internet experience, including teachers and educators, to support their activities and raise awareness of online safety topics in the classroom. 
• We have also been gathering resources and information from the Insafe network on MOOCs (massive open online courses) to support teachers and educators in classroom activities and empower youth to navigate their digital world safely. Explore the European Schoolnet Academy for a wide range of resources to support teachers and educators.
• Video games are transforming classrooms and enhancing learning experiences. Find out more with the updated Games in School handbook, and unlock the power of gaming for education.  

Learn more about World Teachers' Day on the website of UNESCOand keep an eye on #WorldTeachersDay on social media.