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TL;DR: November 20 is Vietnam Teachers' Day, originating from the International Teachers' Charter Day decided by FISE in 1957 in Warsaw. Vietnam first observed it in 1958 in the North and officially recognized it via Decision 167/HDBT on September 28, 1982. It is an occasion to honor the teaching profession and show gratitude to teachers.
What is Vietnam Teachers' Day (November 20)?
Vietnam Teachers' Day, celebrated annually on November 20, has long been regarded as the day of "respecting teachers and honoring education" in Vietnamese culture. This is an occasion for generations of students to express gratitude to their teachers and for the entire education sector to celebrate.
Key milestones in the establishment and recognition of Vietnamese Teachers' Day, November 20.
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| January 1946 | Establishment of FISE | Paris (France) |
| 1949 | FISE drafted the Teachers' Charter consisting of 15 chapters | Warsaw (Poland) |
| July 22, 1951 | Establishment of the Vietnam Education Trade Union | |
| Spring 1953 | Vietnamese delegation attended the conference to admit the Vietnam Education Trade Union to FISE | Vienna (Austria) |
| August 26 to 30, 1957 | The FISE conference decided to designate November 20 as International Teachers' Charter Day | Warsaw |
| November 20, 1958 | First organization of International Teachers' Charter Day throughout the North | |
| September 28, 1982 | Issuance of Decision 167/HDBT on Vietnamese Teachers' Day | |
| November 20, 1982 | First nationwide celebration of Vietnamese Teachers' Day |
What are the international origins of November 20?
How was FISE founded?
In January 1946, an international organization of progressive teachers was established in Paris, France, named FISE (Féderation International Syndicale des Enseignants, or the International Federation of Teachers' Unions). This organization brought together teachers' unions worldwide to advocate for teachers' legitimate rights and build a progressive education system.
What is the 1949 Teachers' Charter?
In 1949, at the international conference in Warsaw, Poland, FISE drafted a "Teachers' Charter" consisting of 15 chapters. Its main content focused on fighting against bourgeois and feudal education, building progressive education, and protecting the legitimate material and spiritual rights of the teaching profession and teachers.
Why is November 20 Vietnam Teachers' Day?
From August 26 to 30, 1957, at the FISE conference in Warsaw, with 57 countries participating, including the Vietnam Education Union, it was decided to designate November 20 as International Teachers' Charter Day.
How did Vietnam adopt and recognize November 20?
When did the Vietnam Education Union join FISE?
The Vietnam Education Union was established on July 22, 1951. Shortly after its founding, it was admitted as a member of FISE. In the spring of 1953, a Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Minister of National Education Nguyễn Khánh Toàn attended an important conference in Vienna, Austria, to admit several countries' education unions to FISE, including the Vietnam Education Union.
During the resistance war against French colonialism, the Vietnam Education Union contacted FISE to leverage international forums, denounce the imperialists' crimes against the Vietnamese people, teachers, and students, and introduce the achievements of the revolutionary education system.
First celebration in Vietnam
The first "International Teachers' Charter Day" was organized throughout North Vietnam on November 20, 1958. In subsequent years, the event was also held in liberated zones in South Vietnam. Annual commemorations often included special publications to encourage teachers' fighting spirit.
What is Decision 167/HDBT in 1982?
At the request of the education sector, on September 28, 1982, the Council of Ministers (now the Government) issued Decision No. 167/HDBT on Vietnam Teachers' Day, stipulating November 20 as Vietnam Teachers' Day. On November 20, 1982, the first official celebration was held nationwide. Since then, it has become the traditional day of the education sector to honor those in the teaching profession.
What does Vietnam Teachers' Day mean?
What does honoring the teaching profession mean?
November 20 is an occasion for students to express deep gratitude to their teachers. It is also a day for all sectors and society to share joy and appreciation for those who have contributed their efforts and dedication to the noble cause of education.
Traditional activities of the education sector
On November 20, students nationwide often give flowers and gifts to their teachers. The education sector also uses this occasion to review its activities and set directions for improving education quality.
What is the cultural and spiritual value of November 20?
Vietnam Teachers' Day has become deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual life of Vietnamese people. It is an opportunity for society to reflect on and appreciate the role of teachers in educating future generations.
