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World Teachers’ Day: Supporting Teachers Means Supporting the People Behind the Profession
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
5 October 2026
AAMHP recognises the contribution of teachers and calls for continued attention to educator wellbeing, workload and professional support
The Australian Association of Mental Health Practitioners (AAMHP) is marking World Teachers’ Day by recognising the extraordinary contribution teachers make not only to education, but to the social and emotional development of children and young people.
World Teachers’ Day is observed internationally on 5 October. In 2026, UNESCO is also marking the 60th anniversary of the ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers under the theme “Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures.”
AAMHP Chair Shane Warren said teachers occupy a unique place in the lives of young people.
“Most of us can remember a teacher who saw something in us before we could quite see it ourselves. Teachers do far more than deliver curriculum. They notice when a student has gone quiet, encourage the child who is struggling, help young people discover what they are capable of and create classrooms in which belonging can begin.” [Shane Warren]
“That relational work is enormously important, but it also carries responsibility. If we value what teachers give to young people, we also need to care about the conditions in which teachers themselves are expected to work.” [Shane Warren]
Teacher workload and wellbeing remain recognised national workforce issues. The Australian Government’s Better and Fairer Schools Agreement includes initiatives across jurisdictions focused on teacher and school-leader wellbeing and workload reduction, while previous national reviews have identified workload as one of the most significant concerns affecting attraction and retention in the profession.
AAMHP Secretary Susan Sandy said the emotional dimension of teaching can sometimes be overlooked.
“Teachers are often among the first adults outside a family to notice when something has changed for a child or young person. They may find themselves responding to anxiety, grief, family disruption, bullying, behavioural change or concerns about safety while continuing to manage the everyday demands of teaching.” [Susan Sandy]
“Teachers should be supported to recognise concerns and know where to refer, but they should not be expected to become the entire mental-health system for their students.” [Susan Sandy]
AAMHP says strong school communities depend on clear pathways between education, families, wellbeing teams and appropriately qualified mental-health professionals, allowing teachers to remain connected and supportive without being left to carry complex psychological needs alone.
Shane Warren said supporting teacher wellbeing should also go beyond expecting individuals to simply become more resilient.
“Self-care matters, but it cannot compensate indefinitely for unsustainable workload, insufficient support or constant emotional demand. Good wellbeing practice asks what the individual can do, certainly—but it also asks what the system around them needs to change.” [Shane warren]
This year, UNESCO is using World Teachers’ Day to draw attention to the pressures affecting the status of the profession internationally, including workload, working environments, professional autonomy and whether teachers feel sufficiently recognised and supported.
Australia will hold its national World Teachers’ Day celebration on Friday 30 October 2026, with the theme “Shine a light on teachers.” The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership is encouraging students, families and communities to recognise teachers who have inspired, supported and empowered young people.
AAMHP encourages communities to use both occasions to say thank you, but also to consider what meaningful support for teachers looks like throughout the year.
Sandy said appreciation is most powerful when it is reflected in everyday practice.
“A thank-you matters. So does listening when teachers tell us they are overloaded, making sure professional support is available, respecting their expertise and building systems where asking for help is understood as good professional practice rather than failure.” [Shane Warren]
AAMHP acknowledges teachers, school leaders, support staff and education communities across Australia and internationally for the work they do every day.
Teachers help young people imagine their futures. Supporting teachers helps protect the people who make that possible.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
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