Celebrating World Teachers’ Day

This week we’re encouraging our community to celebrate World Teachers’ Day, held in Australia on Friday 27 October 2023.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established World Teachers’ Day in 1994 to recognise the role of teachers in society.

The role teachers play has extended beyond the classroom to maintain connections through flexible learning, and we recognise the passion, commitment and expertise that teachers bring to their work every day.

In a message to school leaders this week, David Howes, Deputy Secretary, Schools and Regional Services, said the importance of the work of teachers has never been more apparent.

‘It was teachers who helped students understand both the process and substance of the recent referendum and it is teachers who are supporting students as they respond to the outcome of that referendum,’ David said.

‘It is teachers who will be answering the most complex questions students will be asking about the deeply disturbing images from the conflict in Israel and Gaza and the reasons for that conflict.

‘And, at a more individual level, it is teachers who are going above and beyond in supporting those Victorian Certificate of Education students undertaking their final exams and navigating the end of their school days and their entry into the world beyond school.

‘It is teachers who ensure students have the literacy, numeracy and digital skills they will need to be participatory citizens, teachers that enable students with disability to be fully included in all that schools offer and teachers that provide the opportunity for students to pursue their interests in dance, drama, music, art, sport, debating and so much else.

‘Victorian students, families and the Victorian community owe our teachers a great deal, and on behalf of them all, this is a huge thank you to every teacher in our state for the work you do in every school, every day.’

How to celebrate

Along with the celebrations happening in schools across the state, we’re asking Victorians to show their appreciation and support for teachers on social media, using the hashtag #thanksvicteachers.

To help schools and communities to celebrate World Teachers’ Day, we’ve shared a range of resources on our World Teachers’ Day webpage, including social media content, thank-you cards and web banners.

We hope you enjoy a wonderful World Teachers’ Day!

Find out more

For more information, refer to our World Teachers’ Day webpage.

For further enquiries, contact the Portfolio Communications team by email: portfolio.comms@education.vic.gov.au