The lasting impact of Australian teachers

In celebration of Teachers’ Day on Friday, 28 October, new research shows teachers continue to be key role models and sources of inspiration for generations of Australians, leaving a long-lasting positive impact on students.

The research released by not-for-profit health fund Teachers Health reveals teachers have ranked as one of the nation’s top role models (35%), with parents (65%) and friends (39%) ranking as the top two. The findings reflected almost three-quarters (73%) of gen-z and millennials would class their teacher(s) as one of their role models during their lifetime, showing the key role educators play in empowering student’s long term.

Brad Joyce, Teachers Health Group CEO, comments: “We’re delighted to see the incredible impact those within our teaching community have on their students throughout their lives. Teachers’ Day is a great time for Australia to show appreciation to all teachers who continue to inspire, shape and teach our next generations.”

“As a profit-for-member health fund, our members are at the heart of everything we do, which is why we take pride in celebrating Teachers’ Day each year.”

The research also revealed teachers continue to inspire over three-quarters of the nation (76%), making the most impact on younger generations. Compared to those over 55 (63%), more gen-z and millennial respondents shared their teachers had positively inspired them, with almost nine in ten (87%) within the demographic acknowledging this.

SLSO and Teachers Health member Jessica Allan notes her influential teachers played a vital role in inspiring her to give back to the next generation of students.

“I’m constantly learning as every day is different, and that’s what I love the most about my job. I love the stories I go home with, whether it’s the lessons I teach them or the ones they unintentionally teach me.

“I’m proud to be a teacher and hope I can inspire and guide my students in the same way my teachers have inspired and affected me,” comments Allan.

Overall, the research shows teachers have positively impacted the lives of almost three-quarters of Australians (72%), with gen-z and millennials leading this sentiment (84%).

In addition, the data also outlines what attributes Aussies have learnt outside of the curriculum noting growth (69%), confidence (68%), values (66%), teamwork (61%) and leadership (54%) as the top five.

"The research findings show how important teachers are in inspiring students, not just in those key schooling years but also long after they leave the classroom. We encourage everyone to join us in celebrating teachers and reflecting on those lifelong lessons this Teachers’ Day," says Joyce.

Educator and Teachers Health member Nancy Penfold expresses the satisfaction of being and teacher and helping others:
“Making a positive difference in the lives of my students, colleagues, and communities is what I love most about being a teacher. The moment you can see the ‘click’ and people get the confidence to gain more independence in whatever stage they’re in, it’s just magic.”

“I became a teacher because I’m passionate about helping people to become the best versions of themselves, so that they can be drivers of their destiny and have control over their lives. Once I had my first practice experience at university, I fell in love with it and knew that teaching was meant for me.”

To celebrate Teachers' Day, Teachers Health has launched the We're For Teachers campaign, showcasing teachers' incredible efforts inside and outside the classroom.

Notes

Gen-z and millennials = respondents aged 18 -34 years old
Older generations = respondents aged 55+

An online survey was hosted by Decibel Research, an independent research services provider, amongst a nationally representative sample of n=2,000 Australians 18+, selected by the research panel provider Pureprofile. Fieldwork commenced on Tuesday 27th September and was completed on Friday 30th September 2022.