MY HERO's World Teachers' Day Story Project 2026

Invitation

Write a story to tell us about a teacher, mentor, coach, librarian or community educator who changed the way you saw yourself, your community, or what you believed was possible.

Guidelines

Deadline: 1 October 2026

Selected stories will be celebrated and showcased on World Teachers' Day, 5 October 2026.

Who can enter?
Open to students and adults worldwide.

Suggested length:
500 words. Shorter submissions are welcome from younger students.

Assignment:

Share the story of a teacher who made a lasting difference in your life and help celebrate the power of education around the world.

Assignment:

Share the story of a teacher who made a lasting difference in your life and help celebrate the power of education worldwide.

Examples of Essays written by Adults and Students

'Ms. Gruwell told me something that would change my life forever. She told me she believed in me. I have never heard those words from anyone . . .'

By: Joshua from San Diego

The Teacher as Hero

A reflection on the profound impact of great teachers, highlighting their wisdom, kindness, and dedication. The story shares an anecdote about a teacher who helped a student attend a dance, showcasing the transformative power of teaching.

Mrs DIOP

By: Mohameth Niane

Hanna Kulinich

By: Olena from Kremenchuk, Ukraine

A student reflects on their admiration for Hanna Kulinich, an excellent English teacher who combines strictness with kindness and dedication to her students' growth.

Suggested Classroom Activities

1) Reflection - Teacher Hero (10–15 minutes)

Before writing their story, ask students to reflect on the qualities that make their teacher a hero.

Discussion prompts:

Who has helped you believe in yourself?

Who encouraged you when you wanted to give up?

Who helped you discover a talent or passion?

What is one lesson from this person that you will carry with you?

Students can jot down key words or create a simple mind map before beginning their story.

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2) Hero Qualities Brainstorm (10 minutes)

Invite students to work in pairs or small groups to share ideas about the qualities they admire most in great teachers.

Complete the sentence:

"A teacher hero is someone who..."

Create a class list of qualities such as:

Encourages others

Believes in every student

Listens with kindness

Inspires curiosity

Leads by example

Helps people overcome challenges

Makes everyone feel they belong

Students can then think about which of these qualities their chosen teacher demonstrated.

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3) Thank You Moment (5 minutes)

Before writing, ask students to complete this sentence:

Because of you, I...

Examples:

"...believed I could succeed."

"...found my confidence."

"...discovered my love of science."

"...learned that my voice matters."

This simple prompt often becomes the heart of their story.

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4) MY HERO Reflection Circle

Invite students to finish these three prompts:

My teacher is a hero because...

They changed my life by...

Their legacy continues because...

These responses can become the introduction or conclusion of their submission.

Students can share their Hero Essays, Films and Art through our Create Program

View this Step by Step Guide to Uploading your Essay

Using the Create Program to Publish Written Stories

By: Laura Nietzer

Tutorial

MY HERO Learning Circles