“One good teacher in a lifetime may sometimes change a delinquent into a solid citizen.” – Philip Wylie 

Philip Wylie has nicely translated his thoughts about teachers into words. Behind every educated individual, there stands a dedicated teacher, and on World Teacher’s Day, we celebrate these unsung heroes of knowledge, inspiration, and transformation. 

In 1996, UNESCO established October 5 as World Teacher’s Day to commemorate the status of teachers and the situation of teachers around the world. So, this day is celebrated annually, and each year has a specific theme chosen by UNESCO.  More than 100 countries celebrate World Teachers’ Day, and each holds its celebrations such as the case of India, which has been commemorating National Teachers’ Day every 5 September. Likewise, in Sri Lanka, we are traditionally celebrating our national teacher’s day on October 6.  Despite these days, this is a valuable chance that is not to be missed by each person, to pay tribute to the teachers who were being the reason to stand on their own.

A teacher is a person who guides others to find the right path for their messy life. So, any person who guides others like this can be a teacher. He or she may be a youth worker, pastor or a colleague who is guiding to do a specific task in a work can also be a teacher. They also add value to people’s lives. But, when we are celebrating World Teacher’s Day, we talk only about the teachers who officially educate us. Because they are the people who build up society by being the second mothers and fathers of every person in their childhood.

So, when talking about ‘teaching’ in a formal manner, I’m correct if say it is a respectful occupation. We all study under the guidance of a teacher at pre-schools, schools, and universities as well. Teachers are instrumental in achieving educational goals, promoting inclusive and equitable education, and fostering lifelong learning opportunities for all. Since childhood, they guide us by not only giving the knowledge but also supporting us to develop our skills and attitudes. They work tirelessly to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for learning in their pupils. A teacher’s professional duties may extend beyond formal teaching. So, they play a multifaceted role as educators, mentors, role models, and sometimes even parental figures for their students. Therefore, teaching is not an easy task to do. As Philip Wylie said, one teacher can change the whole life of a person. That is why teaching is not limited only to a paying career. Most of them do a job rather than what they paid for.  

So, on this day we can appreciate these wizards by expressing our gratitude for them by doing the simplest thing to the deepest one. As a gesture of appreciation kids send cards to their teachers including heartfelt wishes and small and large gifts. When it comes to the Sri Lankan context, students organize different kinds of programs in their schools including entertainment items, and speeches about teachers’ dedication, to show their love for the teachers and they pay tribute to the teachers as they can. A simple ‘Thank You’ can also go a long way in motivating their unlimited dedication. Some educational organizations and advocacy groups use World Teacher’s Day to raise awareness about the challenges teachers face and advocate for better working conditions and support for them.

Every teacher expects to see his students as intelligent, kindhearted, and a person who is not a burden to society. This can be the perfect way how a student to admire his teachers. As being a teacher, they won’t get that kind of pleasure from anything in their life. So, one day, if you can become a successful person, do not forget those priceless hearts who were behind you throughout your journey. 

Finally, I wish, May this article be a tribute to every teacher in the world.

HAPPY TEACHER’S DAY!!!

Written by: Rtr. Nidarsha Amarathunga

Graphic design by: Rtr. Nuwani Gamage