Teaching. It’s a job that transforms lives unlike few others. Yet, many in the profession have reported feeling unappreciated
In 2020, Monash University researchers conducted one of Australia's largest surveys of Australia’s teachers, finding that 71% feel underappreciated in the classroom.
With today marking World Teachers’ Day, there are calls to recognise Australia’s educators who are working tirelessly for the betterment of the nation’s young people, and ultimately, society at large. And with good reason.
Research by not-for-profit health fund Teachers Health show that teachers have positively impacted the lives of almost three-quarters of Australians (72%), with Gen-Z and millennials leading this sentiment (84%).
Hats off to society’s dream weavers
Tim Bullard, CEO of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), said he has had many great teachers in his school life who not only supported him but also challenged him to become the person he is today.
“It would be impossible to pick just one; I have many fond memories of teachers from primary school through to university,” Bullard told The Educator.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate over my career in education to reconnect with a number of them, and it’s been wonderful to personally express my appreciation for the skills and capabilities they helped me develop, as well as the belief they had in me that I could succeed.”
Bullard said he remains “deeply grateful” to these educators.
“I am also deeply grateful to all the teachers in our schools and learning spaces right across Australia, who are doing the same for their learners every day,” he said.
“Teachers have a tremendous impact on young learners – not just in the content they teach, but through showing students new ways of approaching problems and by valuing their perspectives, building confidence and self-esteem.”
Australian Education Union (AEU) federal president, Correna Haythorpe, said while she had had several outstanding teachers, one particularly dedicated and passionate teacher, Peter Needle, left “a deep imprint” on her life.
“Growing up in a remote community, as I did, posed some unique challenges, and at 15 I dropped out of school as a disengaged youth and went fishing,” Haythorpe recalled.
“After six months on the boats, Peter, and a handful of other dedicated teachers, worked closely with me to help overcome some of the barriers of living in a remote community and having to study part of the curriculum by distance education.”
Haythorpe said Needle’s commitment to his students went beyond the classroom.
“The incredible passion that he had for making sure that I had the opportunity to achieve my dreams gave me, and other students in my small community, a future that we did not know was possible.”
‘Teachers are more than just educators to students’
When asked what he would you like Australia’s teachers and leaders to remember as they mark this World Teachers’ Day 2024, Bullard said he hopes they can can “truly feel the appreciation for their work from across Australia and remember how important they are to the next generation.”
“It’s why AITSL showcases this day every year,” he said.
“Our teachers are an inspiration, and they deserve a day that’s all about them. I hope teachers and principals can find time to check out our World Teachers’ Day media wall and see all the messages of support pouring in from all over the country.”
Haythorpe said World Teachers’ Day is “a time to acknowledge that teachers are more than just educators to students”.
“They are their mentors and role models. The transformative effect that teachers can have on children’s lives cannot be understated,” she said.
“While today is a day we can all recognise the vital work teachers do, every day we should acknowledge the respect, reward and recognition that teachers deserve.”
Shane Smith is the co-founder of Education Perfect (EP), one of the largest education providers in Australia and New Zealand. He says EP was founded with a mission to empower teachers with tools that amplify their impact in the classroom.
“As we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, I'm excited about the future of technology in education and the power of AI to help teachers unlock every student's potential,” Smith told The Educator.
“By providing personalised learning experiences and instant feedback, AI can help teachers focus on what they do best– engaging and inspiring their students.”
Smith said EP continues to adapt to the ever-changing needs of the education sector through close consultation with those at the coalface – teachers and leaders.
“We're always innovating to keep our platform in tune with educators' needs, ensuring we're a true ally in the classroom and supporting them as they shape the next generation.”
AI no substitute for the expertise and human connection teachers offer
Amid the hype around Generative AI, there have been growing concerns that the human element is being diminished in classrooms.
However, Bullard says “AI is no substitute for the expertise and human connection that only a teacher can offer.”
“Every day we see Australia’s teachers inspire, teach, and guide their students, helping them realise the best of themselves,” he said. “Learning isn’t simply the communication of information from a teacher to a student; it’s a partnership where both the student and teacher actively contribute and participate.”
Bullard said while generative AI can support learning, teachers contextualise feedback and ensure students apply their learning to their work, which is essential for embedding long-term learning and engaging students.
“You can’t replace the human element of connection, collaboration, and support,” he said.
“However, when implemented well, edtech has the potential to benefit several student cohorts, including those with disabilities, those learning remotely, and students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.”
Haythorpe said while AI is an increasingly important tool that will only be more prevalent in the future, it can never replace true human interaction that teachers provide to their students.
“Students can’t look up to AI as a role model, they can’t be inspired to achieve by AI in the way teachers can inspire them, nor can AI understand the intricacies of students and their lives, backgrounds and aspirations the way that teachers can,” she said.
“AI is a tool to help students learn, like a book or a computer, it is not a replacement for a teacher.”