Teachers' Day in Colombia Date in the current year: May 15, 2024

Teachers' Day was established in Colombia in 1950. As you will see, the holiday has a long story. On May 15, 1950 Pope Pius XII appointed Jean-Baptiste de La Salle to be the patron saint of all teachers. De La Salle was a French priest, but he's best known for his educational reforms. He dedicated much of his life to education of poor children in France.

One of his greatest achievements was foundation of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. At his time (1651-1719) schools accepted only young people studying politics or diplomacy. De La Salle outlined the importance and principles of free education and invited poor children to attend his institute, thus giving them hope for better future.

The same day, when Pope Pius XII appointed de La Salle to be the patron saint of all teachers, the government of Colombia proclaimed Teachers' Day to be celebrated on this day. As well as in other countries, teachers accept congratulations and greeting cards from their student. But one of the most attended activities by Colombian teachers is the forum, organized in the provinces.