Teacher’s Day in Ukraine: History, Present, and Challenges of War
Every year, Ukrainians celebrate Teacher’s Day, which falls on the first Sunday of October.
However, the date of this holiday is not fixed and varies depending on the calendar year.
The celebration has deep historical roots, dating back to the Soviet era, when it was first officially recognized in 1965.
Following Ukraine’s independence in 1991, the decision was made in 1994 by the President to mark the day on the first Sunday of October annually.
There is also another significant international holiday — the International Teacher’s Day, observed on October 5th, initiated by UNESCO and the United Nations in 1994 to highlight teachers’ vital role worldwide.
In 2025, these two celebrations will coincide for the first time in many years.
Amid the ongoing war initiated by Russia, Ukrainian educators demonstrate exceptional bravery and commitment, continuing to teach under extremely difficult conditions: in bomb shelters, subway stations, and underground facilities.
Over 80% of Ukrainian schools have been damaged by enemy shelling, forcing many students to switch to online learning due to safety concerns in affected regions.
Despite these hardships, the government has made efforts to support teachers and students, including changes to the conditions of salary bonuses and allowances for educators, to motivate and sustain quality education during wartime.
This situation underscores the critical importance of teachers as national heroes during challenging times, shaping the future of Ukraine.