When is Teacher's Day in Your Country? What happens on that day? I was surprised to learn that Teacher's Day actually falls on different days from country to country.

With so much attention to lesson planning, organizing attendance and giving grades for a variety of work from oral evaluation of speaking skills to editing and correction of essays and written work that often Teacher's Day sneaks up on many of us. It falls on May 15th here in Colombia and can be quite an interesting experience.

Everything is organized by the students. (Oh, that they would only put as much effort into their English work and assignments!) Some class groups turn it into a "party". Others, more of a celebration, albeit it's unclear exactly what they're celebrating from some of the goings-on which take place. For example, there's always cake - Latinos have a definite sweet tooth. Potato chips with "salsa rosada" - a sort of mixture of catsup and mayonnaise with soft drinks, of course - and yes, Coca Cola is a favorite. There are strongly-marketed local soft drink brands which are also good. Small cold cut sandwiches, some snack foods and maybe a fun salad are likewise on hand.

In Cali, Salsa music, with the driving, rhythmic beat of performers like Celia Cruz and Son de Cali, pervades the air of the classroom festivities. It's everywhere here. Cali is the Salsa music Capitol of the world now. Cuba, the former haven of the best Salseros and founder of the music genre, still produces its share of new hits. Puerto Rico and even the USA are now top-Salsa music producers, among others.

The teacher, if popular and well-liked, is given a present from the students. At the university level in the costlier tuition sites, gifts can be rather expensive with watches, tailored shirts, designer handbags and moderately-priced jewelry often being gifts of choice. At mid-range schools and institutions teachers often receive neck ties, scarves, pricey reference books or contemporary novels as gifts. Naturally, there's a Teacher's Day card signed and commented on by everyone. Congratulations, well-wishes and kind words are forthcoming from the majority of the students - even some of the "problem" ones. Digital photos are shot by various students to preserve the memory of the day. It's actually quite a nice break for the teacher. Many of these events follow even when the teacher isn't particularly well-liked, but is recognized as competent.

Shrewd teachers save the cards to add to their scrapbooks or teaching portfolios along with a select photo or two. By the next day, after the mess is cleaned up and the part fever has subsided, it's back to business as usual even though the festive air can linger for another day or two. I still have a T-shirt the students gave me one year - signed, cartooned and commented on by each and every one of them (in multiple colors as well). Decorum (and the obscenity laws) prevent me from actually wearing it out on the street, but I have braved wearing it at the beach in Mexico (another country) a couple of times.

So, when is Teacher's Day in Your Country? What happens on that day? What experiences have you had? I'm curious to know about it. Drop me an e-mail and let me know what goes on in your corner of the world at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com I'll be looking to hear from you. Thanks.