Published by: Chloe Lavine P. Barcelona
Date Published: October 25, 2024
Time Published: 2:39 PM
Field trip. Blazing fire. Grief echoed. The country of Thailand is known for its worthy travel ideas. However, on the 1st of October 2024, the supposed field trip, with 45 passengers embarking on a much-anticipated school trip, clashed with a devastating fire accident that claimed 23 students and 3 teachers. People mourned along with families and friends of the victims.
What’s more saddening detail from the fire accident is how one teacher's body was found shielding her students from the blazing flames. These figures of heroism underline the essence of Teacher’s Day and the unwavering dedication of an educator shows beyond doubt of a real Teacher.
These three teachers instantiate acts of heroism in the accident that will remain in us and on the education shelves. From what they do, their heroic intention became a reminder to everyone of what the true spirit of Teacher’s Day embodies.
Kanokwan Sriphong, a first-grade assistant teacher in Thailand, started her teaching career just only in July 2023. She had recently received her diploma on 26 September but tragically lost her life in a school bus blaze. Gun Jom Phalang, an activist, revealed her protective embrace until her last breath while Amarin News reported that her mother sought help in locating her daughter. Sadly, Gun Jom had to inform the mother of her daughter's death. [1].
Two other teachers, Pimthong Sombat and Saranya Homkaesorn, are also known for doing great in the field of teaching. Ms. Pimthong was recently granted for her excellent teaching skills, which made her receive a silver medal for organizing educational events. While, Ms. Saranya, the youngest among them, was still a student teacher in her fourth year at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University and only had seven days left to finish her training [1]. Their journey in teaching stopped there as they also died in the same accident.
Their care for their students, their faith in the essence of education, and the bravery they present when facing the blazing fires made a lasting impact on everyone. That helps us see the presence of unseen heroes in unlikely tragedies and showcases the significant influence teachers can hold on their students' lives.
Thinking that teachers are important, and have a special portion in our lives by sharing knowledge and motivating us to achieve our highest potential despite the struggles of studying. Therefore, Teacher’s Day le us have the chance to show appreciation for their commitment, effort, and firm dedication to educating the youth. From this, the good deeds a teacher can conquer and provide for their students, it is deserving to show our deep respect for all they have done.
World Teachers' Day, celebrated yearly on the fifth of October, honors the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation regarding the Status of Teachers, wherein it builds regulation for teachers' rights, duties, and qualifications for their training, education, hiring, job, and teaching environment. The 1997 Recommendation about the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel adds to the 1966 Recommendation, which includes teaching personnel in higher education [5].
The origins of Teacher's Day differ from country to country, yet it still has one vision–to make them feel special. Various countries celebrate on diverse dates and honor different historical figures. With that being said, here, explore a few Teacher’s Day origins and traditions from various countries around the world.
THAILAND
Thailand honours National Teachers' Day on January 16, in remembrance of Prince Damrong Rajanubhab's birth. This celebration acknowledges educators and uplifts togetherness for all. Rajanubhab, who was a scholar, educator, and statesman, had a crucial part in the modernization of the Thai education system, which included making schooling mandatory for every child [2].
By celebrating Teacher’s Day the same day as his birthday, Thai people save that date to appreciate his contributions. a remarkable move in ensuring equal educational opportunity for each one of the children in society. That opened doors to the modernization of the education system in Thailand and equipped the nation for the demands of the 20th century.
In 1996, the national organizing committee announced the orchid as the designated flower for Teacher's Day. They chose this as this represents the gentle and caring nature of the journey of educating. It symbolizes the concept that like an orchid needing careful nurturing to blossom, a young mind requires guidance and support to grow and thrive. It symbolizes the concept that like an orchid needing careful nurturing to blossom, a young mind requires guidance and support to grow and thrive, influenced by M.L. Pin Malakul's poems. Malakul's poem captures this idea with the phrase "Just like that, minds are shaped by education." The Teacher's Day slogan for this year means "Effective teachers and attentive students learn happily together" [4].
INDIA
In commemoration of the birth of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a well-known philosopher, educator, and statesman, Teachers' Day in India is celebrated on the 5th of September [2]. his impact on the country's intellectual environment, He is highly respected in India for his significant contributions to education.
Dr. Sarvepalli explores into the meeting point between Western and Indian philosophical traditions, advocating for a peaceful understanding of varying viewpoints before becoming the second President of India. He presented dedication to education and it was clear in his goal to updation India's education system. In a way of modifying the curriculum to meet the country's demands. This innovative leadership resulted in big transformations in many universities in India, such as Calcutta University and Banaras Hindu University. The country India honors Dr. Radhakrishnan's education legacy and the significance of knowledge by celebrating Teachers' Day on his birthday.
In addition, Teacher's Day is celebrated with uncommon traditions such as Felicitation Ceremonies, Saraswati Puja, and floral decor. then each School has unique events to show appreciation for teachers like students giving them flowers, gifts, and homemade cards. In West Bengal, Saraswati Puja is a Hindu celebration in which students and teachers seek academic prosperity through prayers. Marigolds and roses symbolize purity and admiration, while Rangoli, intricate patterns created with colored powders or flower petals, is a well-liked form of decoration [3].
CHINA
In China, Teachers' Day falls on September 10. The same day commemorates the establishment of the Chinese Teachers' Association in 1951 was selected to honor and appreciate teachers on this significant occasion. The importance of the day is its association with Confucius, a key figure in Chinese history [2].
The day was selected to honor the birth of Confucius, a philosopher known for introducing a merit-based educational system that impacted China's intellectual progress and moral conduct. The decision demonstrates the profound influence that Confucius had on Chinese education and philosophy. In addition to academic learning, he underline the cruciality of ethical behavior and moral character. Wherein resulted in molded Chinese beliefs and touched the formation of a Confucian moral framework that until present times is still used.
Moreover, there is a distinctive tradition of Teachers' Day in China and that is the student-teacher swap. Meaning to say, senior students act as teachers, guiding their younger peers in lessons and activities. It offers and serves not only fun interaction but also a deep method for students to grasp the difficult side and duties of teaching, which can have a greater admiration for their teachers.
PHILIPPINES
In the Philippines, the Department of Education (DepEd) marks National Teachers’ Day on Oct. 5 and observes National Teachers’ Month from Sept. 5 to Oct. 5 as mandated by Republic Act 10743 and Presidential Proclamation 242 series of 2011, signed into law by former president Benigno Aquino III on Jan. 29, 2016 [6].
This legislation declares that all teachers in the country will have October 5 off as a public holiday each year. On the contrary, National Teachers' Month, a more extensive celebration, is designed to increase recognition of the significance of teachers and the profession of teaching. Considering the hard work of teachers in molding the youth for the future, this moment gives the community thanks and recognition.
Filipinos way of celebrating Teacher's Day is greetings, gifts, special events, and community outreach activities for teachers. Students frequently present greeting cards, flowers, or small tokens as a gesture of gratitude. Then the student leaders propose programs for special activities for such as cultural shows, speeches, and competitions to recognize their teachers.
Having this kind of day to celebrate Teacher’s Day from different countries highlights the interconnectedness of everyone and the universal value of education. Moreover, in this day when knowledge is crucial, exploring and learning Teacher's Day from different origins goes beyond borders, cultural diversity, and language barriers, showcasing the worldwide significance of the teaching career.
In memory of the tragic event, it emphasizes the significance of Teacher's Day and the commitment of educators, as seen in the fate of those innocent individuals. Numerous methods are available to show appreciation towards teachers. This made us value a job with not so many purses. On the other hand, the grief of the parents of young children became an ear-opener in demands of more comprehensive attention in ensuring the safety and well-being of students. And so the significance of regularly inspecting the vehicle regardless of the circumstances and individuals involved became golden preparation, as every life is important.
REFERENCES:
[1] Kijwatanachai, B. (2024, October 2). Thai teacher who perished in school bus fire hugged students until her final breath. MS News - Independent News for Singaporeans. https://mustsharenews.com/teacher-bus-hugged-students/amp/
[2] Banerjee, D. (2023, September 5). Teachers’ Day: Which countries apart from India celebrate this day and when? The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/teachers-day-which-countries-apart-from-india-celebrate-this-day-and-when/amp_articleshow/103364099.cms
[3] User, & Zahrat. (2024, October 1). Teacher’s day around the world: Unique traditions and celebrations. Black Tulip Flowers. https://www.blacktulipflowers.com/blog/teachers-day-around-the-world-unique-traditions-and-celebrations/?srsltid=AfmBOopAomP8ht23OWH7DJc8HPO8qU9Pq43JM-Cid3jEowqBPMr_iYnn
[4] Thai Teachers’ Day 2024 - Thailand NOW. (2024, January 15). Thailand NOW. https://www.thailandnow.in.th/event/thai-teachers-day/
[5] World Teachers’ Day – 5 October – UNESCO-IESALC. (n.d.). https://www.iesalc.unesco.org/en/evento/world-teachers-day-5-october/#:~:text=World%20Teachers'%20Day%20is%20held,all%20teachers%20around%20the%20globe.
[6] World Teachers’ Day and National Teachers Month: How did it start? (2022, October 5). Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2022/10/05/world-teachers-day-and-national-teachers-month-how-did-it-start/?amp
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