On Friday 26 October, Queensland will celebrate the hard work, dedication, energy, passion and contribution of teachers to the lives of children across the state.

Queensland’s independent schooling sector, through its peak body Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ), is part of a statewide campaign spearheaded by the Department of Education, to acknowledge and celebrate the state’s teaching profession.

Celebrated in more than 100 countries across the world, World Teachers’ Day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1994 to recognise the role of teachers in society.

World Teachers’ Day is held internationally on 5 October. However, as the day usually falls during school holidays, Queensland is holding its 2018 celebrations on 26 October 2018.

Valuing our teachers

Queensland Independent Schools Parents Network (QIS Parents Network) Executive Officer Sue Kloeden extended her heartfelt thanks to all Queensland teachers, particularly the 10,000 teachers working in independent schools.

“World Teachers’ Day gives us the opportunity to thank and celebrate the remarkable teachers who are educating, encouraging and inspiring our children,” Ms Kloeden said.

“The role of the teacher has become much more challenging as family structures, working patterns and societal expectations change. The interests of children are best served when parents and teachers work together in respectful partnership,” she said.

“I encourage all parents and students to show their appreciation for the valuable work of teachers on Friday 26 October 2018.

“Those two simple words – thank you – can make such a difference to a teacher’s day. Whether it’s in person, in a note or via email, let’s all take the time to express our gratitude for the gift of learning our teachers give our children every day.”

Show your appreciation

Teachers, parents and caregivers are encouraged to visit the new World Teachers’ Day website and download and share the resources that have been developed to celebrate Queensland teachers.

There are certificates of appreciation that students and parents can give teachers, as well as Facebook and other graphics for sharing across social media platforms. There are also instructions about how how to use a special World Teachers’ Day Snapchat filter.

Follow the QIS Parents Network Facebook page and the ISQ twitter campaign to share messages of thanks, videos and other resources to celebrate the work of Queensland teachers.

Queensland teachers who have made a significant contribution to their profession, students and communities are also being recognised at the Queensland College of Teachers 2018 Excellence in Teaching Awards. Winners will be announced on 25 October 2018. Meet the 27 award finalists, including five inspiring educators from Queensland independent schools | READ MORE