One happy student shows the card she has prepared for her teacher for Teachers' Day. Photo: CFP

A card from a student of Evan Eames Photo: Evan Eames

We all have at least one teacher we remember fondly from our school days. They may have nurtured a budding talent, helped us through some tough times, or provided us with hours of playground mirth by having a surname that rhymed with a rude word.

But while we may appreciate them in later years, at the time it is all too easy for students, as well as their parents and society in general, to take these knights of the blackboard for granted.

For the best of teachers, nurturing their charges' inquisitive minds and helping them realize their full potential are rewards enough. However, in a profession blighted by long hours, hard work, piles of marking and stress, it is still easy for even the greatest teacher to lose sight of the real value of what they are doing. It is also easy for the rest of us to under-appreciate them.

With the annual Teachers' Day falling this week, the Global Times spoke to some expat teachers about how they regard the celebration and how they plan to spend it.

Michael McClocklin, grade 1 teacher, Canada

My school kindly scheduled a mandatory dinner for me. Last year it was in a high school cafeteria. This year I'm told there is a restaurant.

Eating with colleagues hardly seems like a special occasion. We do it every day. Last year there were bottles of wine but no corkscrews. It was torture. I have two eight-hour professional developments on the weekend. I would prefer to spend my Friday night in my own cellar where I can find the corkscrew and the backup corkscrew.

I think Teachers' Day is a great idea. Teachers should be celebrated. But I also think Teachers' Day is a ridiculous idea. Teachers are the ones who end up planning their own party.

My ideal Teachers' Day would be existing quietly somewhere warm in a country where they don't yet have a word for "teacher."

Kara Moncaster, grade 2 teacher, Canada

Luckily I'm a teacher so I found out about Teachers' Day my first year in China by finding many treats and cards on my desk. Our school is having a dinner to celebrate at a nearby restaurant.

I have celebrated Teachers' Days all the four years I've been in China. Our school provides a celebration, students make cards and sometimes bring treats for me to enjoy. It is great to feel recognition for the difficult and rewarding job that I do. I love cards from former students and look at them throughout the year, especially after a rough day.

In Canada we do not have a Teachers' Day. I think that it is a great idea though. I think most people agree it feels great to be recognized and celebrated for the hard work that you do.

My ideal Teachers' Day would be a day filled with quiet and well-behaved students. A night filled with hardworking colleagues, good drinks and delicious food!

Jake Jones, grade 3 teacher, Australia

I had no idea it was Teachers' Day! We've just returned to school and there's been no time to worry about all that!

I have no plans for Teachers' Day, but our parents do organize a teacher appreciation lunch later in the year which always has a fantastic food selection.

At my previous school the students held a ceremony for us and we received lovely chocolates and flowers.

There is no such thing as Teachers' Day in Australia, but I think it would be a good idea. Teachers in Western countries aren't appreciated like they are in Asia. My ideal way of celebrating would be for the students to teach me!

Chris Rogers, grade 3 teacher, Australia

I was not aware it is Teachers' Day. It is not something I have ever really thought about.

My school isn't planning anything special as far as I know, but maybe, hopefully, we will be in for a nice surprise!

Teachers' Day is not something that I have ever been a part of but I don't feel that, as teachers, we are not appreciated - we get plenty of rewards in our job.

I believe we do have something similar in Australia but I have never really been involved in any sort of celebration in regards to this - it's not a big deal. I think it is a nice idea but I do not necessarily believe in its importance. Teachers work hard, but also are rewarded often through the achievements of their students, their connection with the school, parents and the wider community and, of course, with excellent holidays. I think the idea of celebrating any occupation is possibly a bit unnecessary.

My ideal Teachers' Day would be a day where the kids come in, are silent, we put on some relaxing music, and meditate in silence all day! Is this asking too much?

Evan Eames, grade 3 teacher, the US

Oh, yeah! I mean Teachers' Day comes along only once a year, and the timing couldn't be better. It's the first semester of the year, the students haven't had time to hate us, and the parents want to get on our good sides. What an amalgamation of perfection.

I've been doing this long enough to know that Teachers' Day happens every year.

My plans for the day include teaching my students as best I can, and making sure that I follow the regular lesson plan. There isn't much wiggle room at my school. Homework needs to be graded and turned back ASAP. No special events here.