Across 2,200 NSW public schools, we today mark World Teachers’ Day and celebrate the incredible commitment our teachers show in guiding the future of our young people.

From the metropolitan hubs of Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong to our most remote schools in Tibooburra and Lord Howe Island and all stops in between we have the almost 90,000 dedicated teachers delivering a quality education from preschool through to Year 12.

NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said it was important to acknowledge the incredible work teachers did in the “profession that creates all other careers”.

“Our teachers go to extraordinary lengths to ensure every student can reach their potential,” he said.

Mr Dizdar used the day to give a shout-out to his former social sciences teacher Marie Johanson, who is still teaching at Mosman High School.

“Everyone can recall a teacher that has inspired them, and I am no different – Ms Johanson was one of the outstanding educators who inspired me to become a teacher - she was and still is a phenomenal geography, legal studies, commerce and economics teacher.”

Full circle

Hero Ahmed began teaching at Lurnea High School in 2020, but her journey with the school spans far longer than the past few years.

At just 11 years old, Ms Ahmed arrived in Australia and enrolled into the school’s Intensive English Centre (IEC). Unable to speak any English except the phrase “see you!”, she discovered a love for the English language, so much so that after graduating from Lurnea High School she became an English teacher herself.

“It’s been so interesting to come back,” Ms Ahmed, who returned to the school in 2020, said.

“Lots has changed, but so much is the same. It’s really gratifying to come back and work with the people who were your teachers,” she said.

Her former English teacher who inspired her into her career, is now her boss.

“It’s a real full circle moment for me, and it’s incredibly rewarding,” Ms Ahmed said. “I come from where my students come from, I faced the challenges they faced. I’m really glad to be able to give back to the community that gave so much to me.”

Ms Ahmed has started an exciting role as Year 8 Advisor this year, a position she’s incredibly proud to hold.

“Being able to connect with students, have them come to me for support and be able to help them on a deeper level is amazing,” she said.

“Once upon a time it was someone from this very school supporting me and my family, so being able to be that for someone else is really fulfilling.”

Relationship builder

Walking through the corridors with Felipe Aguilera, the relationships he’s built with students across the school are palpable.

“Sir!” One student yells with excitement as he walks past, another comes over for a high-five and another gives him an update on his latest assignment results.

As a Learning Support Teacher, no day is the same for Mr Aguilera. The job keeps him on his toes, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“In my role, I am able to help provide students with the best opportunities, not just here at school but for life. Many of our students come from complex backgrounds, and being a trusted adult for them is a real honour,” Mr Aguilera said.

When asked if he had any words for fellow teachers this World Teachers’ Day, Mr Aguilera’s message was a simple one – “We got this.”

“We don’t let the challenges define us. We are resilient, we rise up and prove to everyone that we’ve got this. We do it for our students,”he said.

Career changer

Brooke Brown was managing a restaurant when she decided that she wanted a change of careers.

Teaching was a natural choice as her goal was to be able to make a difference in the lives of young people.

“My teachers got me through high school and I wanted to be that for the next generation coming through,” Ms Brown said.

“It’s a really rewarding job. Everything I do each day makes a difference in the lives of students. Things that are little to us are big and important for students,” she said.

A biology teacher and year advisor, the best part of Ms Brown’s role was being able to empower her students.

“We are able to be their voice when they’re struggling. We can ensure they know they’re important and valued,” she said.

This World Teachers’ Day, Ms Brown wants fellow teachers to remember the impact they make on their students.

“For some students, their teacher is the most important person in their lives. We have the privilege of making a real difference in the lives of young people.”