October is Teachers’ Month, an opportunity to recognise the people who make a difference in the lives of learners every day.

Teachers do so much more than share knowledge. They inspire, encourage, support, listen, create opportunities and help learners discover what they are capable of. The impact of a great teacher can stay with a learner long after they leave the classroom.

This Teachers’ Month, SAOU wants to celebrate that impact.

Celebrate Your Favourite Teacher

We are inviting learners across South Africa to honour their favourite teacher in a creative and personal way. Write a poem or short story, or create an artwork/collage about a teacher who has made a special difference in your life. Tell us about the teacher who inspires you, believes in you, encourages you or is simply there when you need them.

How to enter

1. Choose the teacher you want to celebrate.
2. Create your entry – a poem, short story or artwork/collage.
3. Submit your entry below.
4. Make sure you provide the required details about your school, province and the teacher you are celebrating.

Entries open: 5 October 2026

Prizes

One learner winner and the teacher celebrated through the winning entry will be selected from each province.

That means 18 winners across South Africa: one learner and one teacher from each of the nine provinces.

Each winning teacher will receive a leather bag.

It’s about the teacher

While learners are given an opportunity to express their appreciation, the heart of this competition is the teacher.



The teacher who helps build a learner’s confidence, who makes a difficult day a little easier, who keeps believing, even when a learner stops believing in themselves, who leaves a lasting impression.

This Teachers’ Month, we simply want to say:

• We see what you do.
• We appreciate you.
• We celebrate you.

Celebrate a teacher who matters to you

Who is your favourite teacher? Use your words, your creativity or your voice to show them just how much their impact matters.