Teacher’s Day

They are among the most "decorated" names in different languages — tutors, mentors, instructors, professors, educators, masters, or simply teachers — and consume most students' weekday time. Each has profoundly impacted a student's life, good or worse, and one or two have inspired them not just to be good but also to be great.

Such is the unique role of teachers, often seen as rock stars and friends, simultaneously bringing doom and bad grades to students' hearts.

Considered a noble profession, teaching in the Philippines is familial. It involves all-around work: nurturing skills, instilling values and discipline, addressing students' concerns, and sometimes parenting to recalcitrants.

For years, the government has been constantly improving the lives of teachers, particularly those in public schools, from wages to other benefits to make them at par or even above those received by their private sector counterparts.

That is why the Philippines celebrates probably one of the longest recognitions of teachers, National Teachers' Month, which starts on 5 September and culminates on 5 October, the National Teacher's Day, which also coincides with World Teachers' Day.

Across Asia, India's Teacher's Day falls on 5 September, China's on 10 September, Taiwan's and Hong Kong's on September, 28 Singapore's on 31 August, South Korea's on 15 May, and Thailand's on 26 January.

Here's something interesting. Japan, whose people are world-renowned for being polite and respectful, does not celebrate Teacher's Day. One will wonder why, but before you express shock, let me share this insightful Facebook post by Professor Justin Ho Guo Shun, a recipient of the Iconic Social Entrepreneur Ace of the Year at The Global Iconic Aces Awards 2022, to explain why. I asked for Professor Ho's permission to repost his message because I was so moved by it, considering the social implications of the teachers' role in our society. Here's his FB post:

"In Japan, there is no 'Teacher's Day. Once, I asked my Japanese colleague, Teacher Yamamoto, 'When do you celebrate Teachers' Day in Japan, and how do you observe it?'

Surprised by my question, he replied: 'We don't have any Teachers' Day celebration.' Hearing his response, I didn't know whether to believe him or not. I wondered, 'Why does a country with a developed economy, science, and technology show such a lack of respect for teachers and their work?'

One day after work, Yamamoto invited me to his home. Since he lived far from the school, we took the subway. The subway cars were crowded during the evening rush hour. I managed to squeeze in and stood, holding onto the handrails tightly. Suddenly, an elderly sitting next to me offered his seat. Not understanding such respectful behavior from the older man, I couldn't accept his offer, but he insisted, and I had to sit.

After leaving the subway, I asked Yamamoto to explain the elder's action. Yamamoto smiled and pointed to my teacher's badge, saying: 'This old man saw your teacher's badge and offered his seat as a sign of respect for your status.'

Since it was my first time visiting Teacher Yamamoto, I felt uncomfortable going empty-handed, so I decided to buy a gift. I shared my thoughts with Yamamoto, and he supported me, saying there's a store for teachers ahead where you can buy items at discounted prices.

Once again, I couldn't contain my emotions: 'Are these discounts only for teachers?' I asked. Confirming my words, Yamamoto said: 'In Japan, a teacher is the most respected profession, the most respected person. Japanese entrepreneurs are delighted when teachers visit their stores; they consider it an honor.'

During my time in Japan, I repeatedly saw how Japanese people deeply respect teachers. There are separate seats for them on the subway and dedicated stores, and teachers don't wait in line for tickets on any form of transportation.

Why do Japanese teachers need a separate holiday when every day of their lives is like a celebration?

As I retell this story, I wholeheartedly wish for our society to grow to such a level of reverence for teachers and for teachers to be worthy of such a high title!" End of post.

Professor Ho's FB post has been shared many times worldwide and is one of the most quoted explanations of teachers' roles and how they are regarded in Japan.

Like birthdays, other celebrations, alone or with crowds, are personal. We tend to belabor ourselves with tradition, but we forget to make room for others to celebrate how they would like it. Who can best explain the difference but the teacher?

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