Hats off to teachers

Teachers wear a number of hats. They spark those lightbulb moments in the classroom and patch up grazed knees in the playground. Teachers impart knowledge, ignite the imagination, deliver hope, invest in students and nurture young minds.

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated across Australia today to thank teachers for all they do to positively shape young people’s futures.

Fittingly, the theme for World Teachers’ Day 2022 is “hats off to teachers”.

It is now our turn to take our hats off to teachers and thank them for the lessons they teach that are valuable not only in the classroom, but in the world beyond.

There are almost 29,000 teachers, principals, deputy principals, heads of department and education officers in WA public schools dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities.

We thank each and every one of them for their passion and for the way they inspire their students. 

Despite what has been one of the most challenging years to date with the spread of COVID-19 in the community, teachers have been committed to education and putting their students first.

We spoke with inspiring teachers from across the state to mark the occasion.
 

Why do you think it is important to celebrate World Teachers’ Day?

Flinders Park Primary School teacher Amy Roggio: Teachers do such an amazing job. We do so much more than teach the curriculum and our impact extends way beyond the classroom. Teachers nurture, care, listen, fix grazed knees and mediate. World Teachers’ Day is the time to celebrate those people who made a difference in your life or your child’s life.

Bob Hawke College health and physical education teacher Aaron Black: I think teaching is such a great profession and we as teachers can help the next generations grow, develop and aspire to achieve their goals. So why not celebrate that?

Wiluna Remote Community School teacher Scott Olsen: Teachers should be commended for the hard work they do for their students, families and broader community.

Karratha Senior High School teacher Ashley Smith: World Teachers’ Day is a day where we can acknowledge the hard work that our teachers do all year long for the sole benefit of the future generations, who will go on to become doctors, engineers, tradesmen, nurses, scientists, athletes or any number of professions. All successful people start with a good teacher, and I think it’s important we recognise that.

What do you enjoy about being a teacher?

Gilmore College industry and enterprise coordinator Patrice Kilpatrick: There is nothing more satisfying than helping a young person realise their potential and go on to become highly successful in their chosen industry. It makes you remember why you came into the profession and this is the best part of my job. Everyone can learn, we all just do it differently.

Rockingham Senior High School health and physical education teacher Isaac Thomas: People sometimes forget or underplay how important our role is. When a kid connects with you 10 years after you've taught them to thank you for helping them through, or helping them feel safe or heard, it all becomes clear that it's worth it.

Bunbury Primary School deputy principal Adriana Palermo: Every day brings something new, and we are very lucky to be able to influence and be part of our students’ learning journey. Challenges certainly come our way, but we rarely give up. We always want to help or find another way to support students, staff and families. Our students are always at the centre of what we do and the decisions we make.

Broome Senior High School mathematics teacher David Leslie: I enjoy teaching as it is different every day, you meet some amazing students and work with fantastic, dedicated colleagues from all sorts of backgrounds.