As World Teachers’ Day approaches on Friday, 31 October, communities across the New England region are being encouraged to pause and celebrate the people who shape our future – our teachers.
New research from the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) reveals that almost nine in ten Australians (87%) believe teachers deserve greater recognition. Nearly 70% say they’ve had at least one teacher who made a significant, positive impact on their life – a reminder of the lasting influence teachers have in classrooms and communities across the region.
AITSL Chief Executive Officer Tim Bullard said the findings reflect how much Australians value their teachers and the difference they make every day.
“We know that quality teaching is the most significant in-school factor influencing student learning,” Mr Bullard said.
“On Friday 31 October for World Teachers’ Day, we want to shine a spotlight on the expertise and dedication of our teachers and encourage everyone across Australia to tip their hat in recognition of the vital work they do.”
To mark the day, AITSL is inviting schools, businesses, and families to take part in the national “Hats Off to Teachers” moment – a fun and heartfelt way to say thank you.
Participants can wear their favourite hat, take a photo, and share it on social media using the hashtag #HatsOffToTeachers, along with a message of appreciation.
Closer to home, researchers at the University of New England (UNE) in Armidale are also turning their attention to the teaching profession, with a new teacher wellbeing survey currently underway.
The study invites teachers from across the region – and beyond – to share their experiences, challenges, and motivations, helping to shape future policy and support for educators.
The UNE team hopes the research will shed light on the real pressures faced by teachers, including workload and emotional demands, while also celebrating the joy and satisfaction many find in their work. The findings will add a valuable regional perspective to the growing national conversation about how Australia can better support its educators.
“This research is important because education policy is often designed from the top down by policymakers,” Terri Swartz, lead researcher, said in a recent Facebook post.
“This survey gives teachers a voice to tell governments and employers what teachers actually want and need from their career pathways.”
According to AITSL’s national data, around 89% of teachers say their work makes them feel happy at least some of the time, despite more than half reporting some level of burnout. The top traits Australians value most in teachers are patience (59%), empathy (38%), and dedication (31%) – qualities that many New England educators embody daily in their classrooms.
Mr Bullard said, “Teachers wear many hats, and quality teaching shapes who we become – from sparking curiosity to guiding us through life. World Teachers’ Day matters because it reminds us to recognise that impact.”
This World Teachers’ Day, the New England community is encouraged to join in by thanking a teacher, taking part in the “Hats Off to Teachers” celebration, or simply reflecting on those who helped shape their learning journey.
To access AITSL’s free Celebration Kit and learn how to get involved, visit aitsl.edu.au/worldteachersday.
Teachers interested in contributing to UNE’s research can find more details via the UNE School of Education Facebook page.
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