It was American inspirational speaker, Joyce Meyer, who said, “Teachers can change lives with the right mix of chalk and challenges.” It’s a simple but powerful reminder of the influence you have every day. And yes, that includes the tricky Monday morning lessons and the moments you think no one’s paying attention, they are!
World Teachers’ Day is the perfect moment to pause and reflect on that impact and on the support teachers need to succeed.
What World Teachers’ Day is all about
World Teachers’ Day is held annually on October 5. It commemorates the 1966 signing of the International Labour Organisation–UNESCO Recommendation Concerning the Status of Teachers. This landmark document set international standards for recruitment, training, continuing education, and fair working conditions for teachers.
Some countries celebrate on different dates depending on their local school calendars and customs. Wherever it’s marked, the message is the same: teachers like you deserve recognition, respect, and support.
2025 theme: recasting teaching as a collaborative profession
The theme for 2025 is “Recasting teaching as a collaborative profession.” UNESCO is highlighting the power of connection. Teaching shouldn’t be a solo act. When teachers share ideas, mentor each other, and work together, everyone benefits. That’s teachers, students, and communities.
Ways you can collaborate
Despite the natural isolation of the classroom, teaching is a team effort. Collaboration doesn’t have to be complicated either. Here are five ways to make it part of your day:
Swap a lesson idea – Got a tricky topic? Share your plan and see what sparks come back.
Buddy up for feedback – Ask a colleague to watch a lesson or read through your lesson plan. Two heads are better than one!
Coffee catch-ups count – Even a ten-minute chat in the staff room can spark ideas, advice, and a couple of laughs.
Resource remix – Swap worksheets, presentations, or classroom activities and put your own spin on them. Collaboration that saves time and sparks creativity.
Team up for projects – Collaborative displays, joint lesson planning, or cross-year initiatives are a simple way to connect and innovate.
Why ‘collab’ matters
Teamwork makes the dream work! Even small moments of collaboration can transform your day. Swapping tips, sharing classroom hacks, or talking through challenges helps you grow and improves outcomes for your students.
Mentoring: a two-way street
Mentoring is a two-way street. It significantly boosts the professional development and motivation of veteran teachers ( aka mentors) just as much as it supports new staff. All state-funded schools in England that employ Early Career Teachers (ECTs) have to have a formal, induction and mentoring programme in place under the Early Career Framework (ECF).
The results
Almost all surveyed mentors (94%) reported being motivated by their role, with 84% in ‘strong’ or ‘moderate’ agreement. Most mentors (81%) also reported receiving adequate support from their school too. These insights come from UCL, The Impact of the Early Career Framework Programme on the Work Engagement, Wellbeing and Retention of Teachers: Interim Research Report #2, 2023.
So why get involved?
For mentees:
So what’s in it for you, besides stacking up points like your favourite loyalty app?
Career advancement and a higher likelihood of promotion. Think of it as unlocking the next level in your teaching career game.
Increased confidence in your skills and knowledge. Walk into the classroom feeling like you’ve got cheat codes for tricky lessons and challenging moments.
Personal and professional development, including better work-life balance. Imagine being able to binge-watch a Netflix mini-series without having to wait until half term!
For mentors:
So what’s in it for you, besides a warm fuzzy feeling?
Encouragement and empowerment in your own professional development. Helping someone else grow is like flexing your own skill muscles at the same time.
Improved leadership and communication skills. Think of it as upgrading your teaching toolkit with the bonus level of influence and persuasion. It’s the teacher equivalent of seeing a plant you’ve nurtured finally bloom.
Increased motivation and satisfaction from supporting new staff. Mentoring pays back twice: they grow, and so do you!
Getting involved is simple. If your school has a mentoring programme, you can sign up to mentor a new teacher at your school, or ask for a mentor yourself. Worried about fitting it in? Even small, regular check-ins can make a big difference. No formal programme? A word with your head could be the first step towards building one, and that’s an A grade on your CV too!
Investing in your growth
World Teachers’ Day is a nudge to invest in yourself. Think of CPD courses as little boosts for your teaching superpowers. From brushing up on subject knowledge to practising new approaches, small steps can make a huge difference.
At Protocol Education, we make it simple: you get free CPD courses through our academy, friendly guidance, and expert tips from people who have been there. It’s like having a teacher’s library in your pocket.
Celebrating you, today and every day
Teaching is more than a job. You spark curiosity, build confidence, and change lives one lesson at a time. World Teachers’ Day is a moment to celebrate, but your work deserves recognition every day. Take a moment to pat yourself on the back, swap ideas with colleagues, and celebrate the difference you make every day.
Explore teaching opportunities and CPD courses with Protocol Education today.
