On Friday 25 October, Australia will celebrate World Teachers’ Day. It’s a time dedicated to honouring the extraordinary contributions of educators nationwide.
The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) is at the forefront of this initiative, bringing light to the often ‘unsung’ role teacher’s play in our lives, by calling on all Australians to give a ‘hats off’ to teachers on their social media platforms next Friday.
For the AITSL and its new CEO Tim Bullard, who stepped into his new role on Monday 21 October just in time to honour this important event, World Teachers’ Day is more than a celebration – it’s a moment to reflect on the unwavering dedication and passion of teachers who play an essential role in nurturing young minds.
“The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership is a company which is solely owned by the Commonwealth Minister for Education,” Bullard told EducationDaily.
“It exists to build the expertise of Australian teaching workforce in all sectors, and also to promote teaching as a pathway and celebrate teaching and teachers as a really important part of Australian society. We do this through a number of projects in consultation with the Commonwealth but also with states and territories around Australia.”
The day serves as a platform for expressing gratitude for the transformative impact educators have on students’ lives, paving pathways to brighter futures. Initially introduced by UNESCO in 1994, World Teachers’ Day is now celebrated in over 100 countries – emphasising the global appreciation for educators and their vital role in society.
By better supporting teachers – and honouring the value the teaching profession offers individuals and Australian society as a whole, Bullard says he hopes more young people understand the opportunities and benefits of choosing a pathway towards their own careers as educators.
Teachers deserve to be valued
Bullard points to research that shows the Australian community values the teaching profession. In one survey, school teaching was viewed as a profession with high honesty and ethical standards by 81 per cent of participants.
Sadly, though, Bullard told EducationDaily that many teachers don’t feel this appreciation, with results from the OECD Teaching and Learning International Survey, published in 2020, indicate that only 45 per cent of Australian teachers in lower secondary schools believe that the teaching profession is valued by society.
That is why World Teachers’ Day is so important as a time to explicitly thank our teachers for the important work that they do.
“As AITSL’s new CEO, I am delighted to be able to showcase Australia’s teachers this World Teachers’ Day,” says Bullard.
“Our teachers work tirelessly every day to support their students to succeed, and it is our honour to be able to recognise them for their incredible work.
“I had many great teachers in my school life who not just supported me, but challenged me, to be the person that I am today. I’m grateful to them, and to all the teachers in our schools and learning spaces right across Australia.”
One that stands out from his own school days with special affection is teacher Anne Fedyk, who Bullard says he now has the pleasure of working with in his role at AITSL. He believes that, while many Australians have fond memories of multiple educators in their lives across primary and secondary school education, most usually have one that holds especially meaningful memories because of the support and guidance they offered.
“Our teachers are an inspiration, which is why on World Teachers’ Day, I invite you to join me in showing your appreciation for the work they do and share your messages of gratitude,” he says.
This gratitude could be shown with a simple heartfelt ‘thank you’, or even a big smile, Buillard says.
Cobram Secondary College.Principal Kimberley Tempest agrees.
This Friday, Tempest says her own school community will proudly “celebrate the incredible dedication and impact of our teachers at Cobram Secondary College and across Australia”.
“Every day, our educators go above and beyond, ensuring that every student feels valued and supported. This day serves as a reminder of the vital role teachers play in shaping futures and inspiring the next generation.”
Get involved in your school community
AITSL is calling on communities across Australia to share their ‘hats off’ selfies as a tribute to teachers. Participants are encouraged to wear their favourite hat—whether it’s a beret, beanie, bucket hat, or bowler – and post on social media using the hashtag WorldTeachersDay2024 and tagging @aitsleduau on Instagram and LinkedIn or @aitsl on X and Facebook.
“Teachers have the power to change lives and are a guiding force to encourage, motivate and inspire,” Bullard told EducationDaily.
“I am so excited to be celebrating World Teachers’ Day this year in my role as CEO with AITSL and I encourage all Australians to take the time to reflect on the value great teachers have brought to their own lives – not just on World Teachers’ Day, but every day.”
