National Education Day in Poland Date in the current year: October 14, 2024

The Commission of National Education (Komisja Edukacji Narodowej, KEN) was the central educational authority in the Kingdom of Poland and the Great Duchy of Lithuania. It was created by King Stanisław II August and the Sejm on October 14, 1773. The KEN is widely regarded as the first Ministry of Education in the history of Europe.

During the two decades of its existence, the KEM completely changed the educational system in Poland. It made education accessible to a wider group of people by opening new schools and training thousands of teachers. The KEM also introduced new school programs and textbooks influenced by the ideas of Enlightenment.

Originally October 14 was celebrated as Teacher's Day, but at some point it was renamed National Education Day. Nevertheless, it still remains the professional holiday of all Polish teachers and other school employees. On this day, special events are organized at schools and children congratulate their teachers on the holiday.