Happy World Teachers’ Day! – “Being a teacher is quite a selfless job”

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated on 5 October. The day highlights the importance of teachers’ work and reminds us of the need to invest in teacher education and working conditions. The UN observance has been celebrated since 1994.

The theme for 2026 aims to encourage societies and decision-makers to protect, promote and strengthen the position of teachers around the world.

Around 400 teachers work at Laurea, guiding and supporting more than 11,000 students. To celebrate Teachers’ Day, we headed to the corridors of the Tikkurila campus to chat with students we met along the way and invited them to send greetings to their teachers.

Nursing student Daniellapraise sends her greetings to Kirsi Tulus and Emmaculate Tamankag: “Kirsi is a really good teacher, kind and calm. And Emma is so active and allows us to participate.”

According to her, a teacher who genuinely cares about their students can be recognised by the way they include everyone in class and are always available to answer questions when something is unclear.

Social Services students Sanni, Milja, Reea, Vilma and Moona would like to thank Hanna Väätäjä. They describe a positive atmosphere in her classes and say it is clear that she enjoys teaching and being on campus. “Hanna is approachable and student-centred. It feels like she’s on the same level with us.”

The group also praises the flexibility shown by teachers. “If you send a message saying you’re in a difficult situation and ask for an extension, you’ll almost always get one. That’s really nice.”

Business Management student Onni sends his greetings to Petri Oikkonen and wishes success to the Kiehkura project. He wants to thank teachers for being there every day to support students. “I think being a teacher is quite a selfless job, because teachers spend more time focusing on us than on themselves.”

Laurea’s teachers deserve recognition for their important work.

Four hundred times thank you!