The AEU joins with millions of teachers around the world to celebrate the important contribution they make to society.

“In celebrating the theme of the 2010 World Teachers' Day – Recovery Begins with Teachers – we acknowledge the profound contribution that teachers make, from pre-school to university, in supporting and developing the education of people, young and old, across Australia and the world,” says AEU Federal President, Angelo Gavrielatos.

“Here in Australia much more needs to be done to support the efforts of teachers and ensure they have the resources necessary to get the best out of their students and enjoy rewarding and successful careers.

“The AEU just released a survey of over 11,000 teachers and principals which shows:

• We have a highly experienced and committed workforce in Australia with almost half of all teachers having been in the profession for more than 20 years
• The under-funding of public schools has led to higher teacher and principal workloads with 36 per cent of teachers saying they work over 50 hours a week
• Teachers overwhelmingly believe schools have a problem keeping teachers in the profession and they nominate resource based issues – smaller workloads and less student management issues as the key to tackling the program.

“It is clear that our dedication and commitment of our teachers is what is maintaining high standards in our public schools.

“There are clear signs as well that failing to address these unsustainable workloads will result in Australia losing substantial numbers of teachers from the classroom – something we simply cannot afford.

“On this day we not only celebrate the work of teachers but call on all governments to support them in the most important endeavour of all – educating the next generation.”