Teacher’s Day provides an opportunity for students to recognize the important role teachers play in their development and to show their appreciation and respect for the enthusiasm and commitment of their teachers.
History of Vietnamese Teacher’s Day
In January 1946, an organization dedicated solely to educational work called FISE (Féderation International Syndicale des Enseignants) was founded in Paris, France.
In 1949, at the Vacsava International Conference, the FISE organization officially announced a charter relating to teachers and teaching staff comprising a total of 15 chapters. The contents of the charter mainly revolved around the struggle between modern education systems against its bourgeois and feudal counterpart; protecting the legitimate substantial and mental rights of everyone involved in education.
From August 26 to 30, 1957, FISE had a total of 57 countries, including Vietnam.
On September 28, 1982, the Council of Ministers (now the government) issued Decree No. 167-HDBT declaring November 20 each year as a public holiday called “Vietnamese Teacher’s Day”. From then on, November 20 of each year is the Day of the Vietnamese Teacher.
Teaching has been one of the 3 most respected professions in Vietnam since the very beginning.
How is Teacher’s Day Celebrated in Vietnam
Vietnamese Teacher’s Day is a very meaningful and noble day, the first nationwide celebration was held in a grand manner. From that day on, the 20th has become one of the most traditional and important days for the education sector of the country, honoring every individual who contributed to the development of that sector and their achievements to grow the new future, their students .
Students from all over the country show their respect by giving gifts or reviewing their old mentors and proudly present their successes in life to show gratitude and let their mentors know that their efforts have not been in vain. Not only students, parents and the government also take time and effort to honor and celebrate everyone in the education field. The celebration is not limited to words only, but also to mass media and all kinds of real life resources.
“Respected morally revered teacher” is also a way in the mind of the Vietnamese as a way to remember who they are, how they came to be and that their successes are not their own, but many others’. With that, let’s all join hands and make the most of the upcoming holiday.
Vietnamese Teachers’ Day of Foreign Teachers in Vietnam
“John Dewhirst, an English teacher in Vietnam and his students @ John Dewhirst
Do you wonder if foreign teachers who are currently teaching in Vietnam are honored on this day? The answer is yes.” Like other Vietnamese teachers, they will receive blessings and gifts from the students, parents and schools where they teach. They will feel all the love and respect of Vietnamese people.
Someone is even so surprised by what happens on the Vietnamese National Teacher’s Day, since it is not a traditional holiday in their homeland.
“I found out about Teachers’ Day when I came to Vietnam, and it was a surprise to me because we don’t have anything like that in Australia,” a teacher involved in four Teachers’ Day celebrations in Vietnam told Vietnam Insider.
“I think it’s great and wonderful that the students do all this for the teachers, recognize the teachers. It is always nice to see so much effort from our students. I think all teachers look forward to this day,” said Melvin Fernando, a foreign teacher who has been living in Vietnam for almost a decade.
Don’t be afraid to get gifts and flowers
Teachers today deserve a lot of appreciation and a great way to show them that all their hard work has made an impact is with a simple but effective gift – especially one that can make their lives a lot easier.
In general, November 20 in Vietnam has become the day when teachers get all the attention and love they deserve. Although it can be very difficult to be a teacher at times, this day will make them very proud to be a teacher and encourage young talented people to choose a career as a teacher in the future and contribute their knowledge to the development of the education in the country.
On behalf of all of us at Vietnam Insider, we would like to thank all the teachers who are currently teaching in Vietnam and wish you a great teacher’s day with your students. Nevertheless, we hope that you will maintain your commitment to the teaching career to guide the younger generation on the educational path.