Happy Teacher’s Day! The National Centre RUSSIA congratulates all teachers across the country
Russia celebrates Teacher’s Day on 5 October. The occasion is particularly close to the National Centre RUSSIA: education, educational outreach and mentoring have long been part of its broad and important mission. On this day, we thank those who devote their energy, dedication and knowledge to educating the younger generation every day.
Teacher’s Day was first celebrated in the Soviet Union in 1965, but the tradition of holding teachers in special regard dates back much further. Teaching has always been one of the most respected professions in our country. In the 19th century, dedicated educational activists taught the children of workers and peasants free of charge. In 1920, Russia adopted a decree on the elimination of illiteracy, and secondary education became compulsory in the 1930s.
The occasion gained international status in 1994, when UNESCO established World Teachers’ Day. It has since been celebrated on 5 October in more than 100 countries. On this day, pupils and their parents congratulate teachers, while the best educators receive awards and prizes. The principal tradition of the occasion remains unchanged year after year: it is a day of special gratitude to those who have devoted their lives to teaching and educating others.
The National Centre RUSSIA devotes considerable attention to projects in education, personal development and educational outreach. Just a few days ago, the Homeroom Teachers’ Forum was held at the venue, this year jointly with the First School Principals’ Forum. For three days, more than 1,000 teachers and heads of educational institutions from Russian regions and other countries discussed key issues in personal development, school management and modern education, from citizenship and patriotism to career guidance for school pupils.
Last summer, the Forum for Geography Teachers and Students at Specialist Universities was one of the key events of the "Geography Lessons" exposition. It brought together more than 800 participants from all federal districts of Russia, including schoolteachers, university lecturers, students, methodologists, school heads and representatives of public authorities. For many of them, the forum offered an opportunity for professional growth and an exchange of experience with colleagues who use their subject every day to fulfil an important mission: inspiring pupils to take an interest in their country and its vast expanses.
The National Centre RUSSIA has honoured outstanding teachers and mentors on many occasions, including during the "Teacher of the Year" contest. The importance of education and personal development was discussed at meetings in the "Motherland Is People" series as part of the All-Russian project "What Does the Motherland Begin With?". The main "Journey Across Russia" exposition and the temporary expositions at the National Centre RUSSIA receive numerous warm reviews not only from Russian education professionals, but also from members of the teaching community in other countries. Teachers note that such spaces offer pupils something no textbook can provide: an opportunity to see the country with their own eyes and experience its scale and diversity. Many say they would like to bring entire classes here, while some already do so, turning these trips into important lessons that inspire children to take pride in their country.
Mentoring is also being developed through original projects created by the National Centre RUSSIA. The Young Journalists School helps children learn the basics of the profession and find their voice in the world of modern media, while the Young Tour Guide School of Russia introduces them to the art of guiding and teaches them to speak about their country in a way that inspires pride and enthusiasm in their listeners. The venue regularly hosts workshops, lectures and creative meetings where experienced mentors share their knowledge with young people. The Literary Club "What to Read?!" regularly becomes a venue for engaging conversations about books, writers, ideas and the things that truly matter.
Today, more than one million schoolteachers and around 168,000 teachers and vocational training instructors work at colleges across Russia. Their wisdom, patience, professionalism and genuine love for their pupils are the foundation of the future and yet another reason to express our gratitude. Happy Teacher’s Day to our beloved teachers!
