The Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Education Minister, the Hon Jason Clare MP and NSW Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning, the Hon Prue Car MP officially launched the ‘Be That Teacher’ national campaign yesterday at Kirrawee High, NSW.
The campaign, a joint Australian, state and territory government initiative, showcases the value and importance of teachers and encourages individuals to consider a career in teaching. The campaign showcases 8 inspiring teachers who share stories and mementos of the students who had a lasting impact on them.
“We need more teachers and we need to celebrate and value the profession of teaching,” the Prime Minister said.
Mr Albanese said his economics teacher, Paul Cheney, had inspired him to study economics at university and “made a big difference to my life.”
The teachers’ stories are deeply personal. We hear from Stacy Frogley in South Australia who influenced a young student to become a Paralympian and Mirakai Kentwell in Queensland who held the hand of a young blind student in a running race as they both crossed the finishing line.
The campaign is one of the actions underway from the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan, developed to address Australia’s national teacher workforce challenge. The profession is losing its experienced teachers and over the last decade, there has been a steady decline in the number of people pursuing teaching careers.
Only half of those who commence a teaching degree manage to complete it. Among the graduates, 20% opt to leave the profession within three years of starting their teaching journey. These statistics emphasise the challenges faced within the teaching profession, indicating the need for greater support and emphasis on retaining passionate educators.
“Recent surveys show that most teachers don’t think that what they do is valued by the community. We need to change that,” said Minister Clare.
“This campaign is all about changing the way we as a country think about our teachers, and the way our teachers think our country thinks of them.”
‘Be That Teacher’ highlights the positive and ongoing impact teachers can have on students and the community. It aims to restore the status of teaching, recognising it as a valued and rewarding career vital to the growth and prosperity of Australia.
The campaign will be seen nationwide from 1 November until April 2024 on social media, online video, billboards, train stations, bus stop and buses, and select television channels.
Share your inspiring teacher story
Are you a teacher who has made a significant impact on your students? Teachers have a crucial role in shaping the future, influencing more than just the classroom. Take part in our 'Be That Teacher' campaign by sharing your inspiring story.
Your 150-word narrative can highlight the moment when you made a lasting difference in your students' lives. Include a photo to be featured in our teacher gallery. Let's build the largest collection ever, celebrating the fantastic contributions of teachers all over Australia.
Join us in spotlighting the wonderful ways you've positively influenced your students' lives. Submit your teacher story at Be That Teacher.
More information
To find out more about the ‘Be That Teacher’ campaign and see the many inspiring teacher stories visit Be That Teacher.