World Teachers’ Day: Celebrating teachers
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 130 No 7, 3 October 2025, page no 13.
As we approach World Teachers’ Day, there’s no better moment to celebrate all teachers, who shape lives, build skills, and open doors to the future every single day.
World Teachers’ Day is about saying thank you — but this year, it’s also about calling for action. Because recognising teachers means supporting teachers.
When I think about the incredible people I’ve worked with across our schools and TAFEs, I think of words such as discipline, organisation, collaboration, accountability, commitment, and dedication.
These aren’t just teaching qualities, they’re the foundation of strong union advocacy.
And they make us a formidable force in the ongoing EB11 campaign.
We’ve all been in the public spotlight a bit lately. Teachers and school leaders across Queensland have been engaging in real, meaningful conversations with their communities about our schools and TAFEs and the deep challenges facing modern education at every level.
It’s been important to shape this messaging in a way that not only informs but truly connects while holding public attention and building the pressure for real, lasting change.
What we’re seeing now is a public-facing reflection of what happens every day in classrooms, from prep to post-school pathways.
Since the EB11 campaign began, QTU members have stepped forward with passion and purpose, and the results speak volumes.
We’ve seen highly organised, well-supported rallies in communities across Queensland. We’ve seen solidarity in action, shared messaging, new members coming on board, and educators standing tall.
Teachers and school leaders have given their own time for the greater good. To be present, to speak up, and to help keep communities awake to the realities of our profession.
It takes special people to stay strong in a long campaign. It takes special people to speak out clearly, respectfully, and powerfully to make their voices heard. It takes special people to tell their stories in ways that make sense to people who might not have been paying attention.
That’s what we’ve achieved, and the community is listening.
We all know the issues:
- Violence and aggression need immediate, meaningful action.
- We don’t have enough teachers or school leaders.
- Attracting and retaining teachers is essential — in schools and in TAFE.
And now, because of our members, the community knows this too. And in that awareness lies our opportunity.
I’ve felt that momentum at rallies and events across the state. I felt it in full force at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 6 August.
I’ve also felt the flow-on effect of that energy move through to our TAFE teachers, especially at events for National TAFE Day. It’s been powerful to see TAFE educators standing proud and united, demanding respect, recognition, and investment in vocational education and training. This is what fuels our movement.
And it’s important that this energy is maintained as TAFE teachers commence bargaining (EB12) in early 2026.
Because when teachers and school leaders have fair salaries, manageable workloads, and safe, well-resourced environments, they thrive. They stay. They build stronger schools, TAFEs, and communities.
You deserve this. And we are absolutely committed to fighting for it. It’s what unions do. And it’s what the QTU does best.