Not only do celebration and awareness events help to sprinkle some variety in everyone’s calendar, but the thoughtful integration of them into lesson plans and the curriculum also enriches education experiences, and helps to support diversity, cultural awareness and overall wellbeing. With this in mind, what are some of the key national days for supply teachers and education professionals to be aware of for the rest of 2025?
National Days for Supply Teachers
12 May – 18 May: Mental Health Awareness Week
We have spoken extensively in the past about the rise of mental health challenges amongst both children and teachers and the issues they can face with anxiety, stress and depression. Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week enables schools to address these issues openly which reduces stigma and helps to create more supportive environments. Everyone will at some point suffer from poor mental health, including teachers, with education recognised as one of the most challenging professions to work in. In fact, 84% of professionals have experienced work-related stress in the last 12 months, and 86% report that their job has adversely impacted their mental health.
The rise of mental health issues amongst pupils has also become more widely recognised. According to the National School Leaders’ Union, 95% of teaching staff have noted an increase in anxiety levels since the start of the 2021 school year, and, worryingly, only 23% felt that they could regularly access specialist support for students who need it. Although these issues are complex, offering workshops on stress management and mindfulness sessions, for example, to help reinforce ways of tackling them can make a significant difference. Equally, the likes of ‘buddy’ and mentoring systems ensure students benefit from peer support and help to foster a stronger sense of community and belonging amongst teachers and pupils.
19 May – 24 May: Walk to School Week
While not every pupil will be able to walk to school, Walk to School Week is both a great way to highlight the benefits of physical activity and an ideal opportunity for students to do their part in reducing traffic congestion and pollution, which helps to support reduced carbon emissions. There are also similar events like National Cycling Week that teachers can aim to incorporate into their annual calendars to promote why exercise is so critical to overall wellbeing. If you’re working in a placement during this week and can get involved, why not join in the walk?
18 June: National Thank a Teacher Day
It’s always nice to receive positive feedback from pupils, and National Thank a Teacher Day provides the perfect opportunity. However, quite often supply teachers can feel left out, particularly given how often they dip in and out of classrooms. At The Supply Register, we recognise the value that these professionals play in schools and educational institutions, so even if you don’t get a thank you from pupils, expect one from us!
1 October – 31 October: Black History Month
The UK’s diverse cultural history is celebrated every year in events like Black History Month, which is dedicated to promoting the achievements of black individuals and communities. Supply specialists can incorporate the month into their curriculum and lesson plans in order to educate students and highlight the benefits of cultural diversity. This can be adopted across several different subjects including the role of activists like Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks in history or politics lessons, or sporting icons like Muhammad Ali in PE.
10 November – 14 November: Anti-Bullying Week
Anti-Bullying Week focuses on raising awareness about bullying and the importance of promoting kindness and empathy in educational communities. This is a must for any supply specialist, and almost every teacher will have encountered children under their tutelage who will have been persecuted by other pupils. In fact, studies show that over one in three 10-15-year-olds will have experienced bullying at some point in their time at school. Discussing the topic openly and role-playing exercises around discrimination and exclusion help students to recognise behaviours that can be harmful. By taking a proactive stance, supply teachers reinforce the message that everyone deserves respect.
6 October: Harvest Festival
The Harvest Festival is one of the more traditional events celebrated in the UK and is a great opportunity to teach students about sustainability and food security. The events also provide a platform for pupils to learn more about direct sources of food production and the need to reduce waste. Supply teachers can work with establishments and pupils to arrange donations to food banks with local charities or offer gardening projects that allow children to grow their own vegetables and other produce to raise awareness of the annual celebration.
In addition to awareness days, there are also several key religious holidays for supply teachers to be aware of. Incorporating these events as part of lesson plans is a highly effective way of increasing cultural awareness amongst pupils and celebrating the benefits of diversity. Some of the holidays and dates to be aware of over the next nine months include:
- Passover (Pesach): Begins on Friday, April 11, 2025, and ends on Saturday, April 19, 2025
- Good Friday: Friday, April 18, 2025
- Easter Sunday: Sunday, April 20, 2025
- Easter Monday: Monday, April 21, 2025
- Eid al-Adha: Saturday, June 7, 2025 (tentative date)
- Islamic New Year (Hijri 1447): Friday, June 27, 2025 (tentative date)
- Diwali: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
- Hanukkah: Begins on Monday, December 15, 2025, and ends on Monday, December 22, 2025
- Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25, 2025
For supply teachers starting at a new establishment, it is always worth checking with leaders on their approach to celebrating holidays and awareness days to ensure your activity fits in with wider policies. Of course, there are several other celebration days, weeks, months, and festivals that supply teachers can leverage to broaden their pupils’ cultural appetite and shape their values.
If you are a teacher seeking your next supply role, speak to our expert team to find a position that enables you to leverage your creativity and cultural expertise to its full potential.
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