“Everyone who remembers his education remembers teachers, not methods and techniques.”- Sidney Hook
The words come alive each time we think of our school years, and the memory of a favorite teacher who made learning enjoyable passes through our eyes. Teachers are an integral part of not just our academic life but of our overall growth and development.
While one day is not enough to celebrate the integral role that teachers play in students’ lives, Teacher’s Day is indeed a great way to acknowledge their contribution.
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Why do we celebrate Teacher’s Day?
Celebrating Teacher’s Day in India has a long history and legacy. The day was first celebrated in 1962. It commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Not only was he the first Vice-President and second President of independent India, but also a renowned scholar and educationist. Teacher’s Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country to mark his birthday. Schools particularly commemorate the day as a token of appreciation for their teachers.
Teacher’s Day is also celebrated globally. In fact, it is an annual event held on September 5th to celebrate all teachers around the globe. It commemorates the anniversary of adopting the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.
The day has been celebrated since 1994. It celebrates how teachers are transforming education and focuses on the support teachers require. The day is also spent rethinking the way ahead for the profession globally.
Teacher’s Day celebrations
At Pragyanam, this day is exceptional as our students give their all to make their teachers feel special and to make them aware of their critical role in their lives. Teacher’s Day celebration involves students across grades preparing for days for this day. Come the D-day, and the school’s decorations and sheer vibe will be unique. The day is marked with presenting flowers, sweets, chocolates, and handmade cards as a token of gratitude and affection for teachers. Senior students are primarily filled with purpose as they take charge of the day.
A key highlight of this day is the cultural program put together by students in honor of their beloved teachers. Songs, dance, and plays are often the order of the day and are a result of days of practice and hard work. This is usually followed by some fun games that teachers can partake in. Students also arrange for gastronomical delights for their teachers to end the day with. By the end of the day, teachers soak in all the warmth and love their dear students send their way.
Although it is a special day for teachers, it is also a significant highlight for senior students. Seeing them all dressed up to take on the role of teachers for one day is a brilliant sight. The sheer joy is visible on their faces as they walk into junior classes and take charge of their studies for the day. As senior students celebrate this role reversal subliminally, they also learn to empathize with their teachers and appreciate their efforts and dedication.
Beneath all the fun and games on teacher’s day are several important lessons that children learn. Key among them is:
- There is a need to show gratitude towards their teachers who work tirelessly for their benefit year-round. Besides helping students academically, teachers also instill essential life skills in students that help them easily navigate life’s ups and downs. Selfless service and commitment of teachers act as a strong beacon for students who also learn these important values from them. Teachers’ Day serves as a reminder that students need to acknowledge all that teachers have to offer them. In the context of life, this day is also a great reminder of the importance of expressing gratitude to the many people who shape us as individuals and whose contributions we often take for granted. It is always a good idea to count our blessings and let the people concerned know how much they mean to us.
- The day also teaches students a whole lot of organizational skills. As a team, students break down the many jobs to make the day memorable. The day is a practical lesson in putting together a great event that will be memorable for all. Students learn the skills of time management, cooperation and teamwork, planning and execution, and a lot more.
To Sum Up
Teacher’s Day is much more than a day; it is an emotion. One that finds a place in the hearts of every student and, therefore, makes its way to the heart of every teacher.
At Pragyanam, we firmly believe that teachers aren’t just educators. They are instrumental in shaping the future of students. Teachers act as mentors, champions, and most prominent cheerleaders for their students.
Be it knowledge, values, or life skills, teachers shape student lives in more ways than one. Significantly, a good teacher instills in their students a love for learning that enables them to remain learners for life. A teacher acts as a scaffolding, allowing students to find their path. It is little surprise then that the impact of teachers spans not just student life but shapes their adult lives as well.
At Pragyanam, we salute all our teachers who have played an indelible role in our journeys!
