Nine current and recently retired teachers and school leaders have been honoured in this year’s Order of Australia Awards, highlighting the dedication and resilience of Australia’s education workforce.
In a statement on 26 January, Federal Education Minister Jason Clare paid tribute to the teachers and leaders recognised in the Awards, which were headed up by Senior Australian of the Year, Yolngu cultural teacher Yalmay Yunupingu.
“Last year, just one current classroom teacher made the honours list. This year, more teachers are being deservedly recognised for the outstanding contribution they make,” Minister Clare said.
“While we don’t remember much from when we were little, most of us can remember that teacher who helped us to aim higher, be braver and work harder.”
Minister Clare said this “should be recognised and respected by the entire community”.
“That’s why the Albanese Government has encouraged people to nominate teachers for an Order of Australia Award,” he said.
To further raise the status of the teaching profession, the Federal Government recently launched the ‘Be That Teacher’ campaign – a joint initiative of the Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments which features eight real school teachers.
“Teachers do the most important job in the world. I want more Australians to want to be a teacher. To be that teacher, who inspires and changes young lives,” Minister Clare said.
“I really encourage everyone across the country to think about that teacher who changed their life and nominate them for an Order of Australia Award.”
The original version of this story appeared as a media release by the Federal Education Department.