October 5 Celebrates Teachers Day
Every October 5th, Teachers' Day is celebrated — a heartfelt tradition that recognizes the work and contributions of teachers.
Teachers' Day has been celebrated in Estonian schools since the 1960s, having firmly established itself in the traditions of school life. Since 1994, under the auspices of UNESCO, October 5th has also become internationally recognized as World Teachers' Day, giving it even greater significance.
On Teachers' Day, classes are often shortened to make room for competitions, performances, and games. One important tradition is that older students take over the roles of teachers and school administration, conducting lessons and fulfilling administrative duties. In some schools, students take their new roles seriously, while in others, there is more fun and creativity – the new "administration" can become either a serious or a fun group. Increasingly, a style or costume theme is chosen for celebrating Teachers' Day, which both students and teachers follow.
The day often concludes with a festive coffee table organized by students, where teachers are thanked with flowers and small gifts. It is also customary for representatives from the local government or education department to come congratulate the teachers, and during the formal ceremony, recognition is given to the school's best teachers.
