“In a newspaper article many years ago, I wrote that I had ‘a privileged education’. It was not privileged in the old school tie, manicured lawns and ivy-clad walls sense. Far from it! My kindergarten was in a nissen hut, my state primary school and high schools were light-timber-construction (chicken coop!) schools in the industrial western suburbs of Melbourne.

So why did I write I was privileged? It’s because I was taught by passionate, committed teachers, who not only believed in the power of education, but also believed that the children and young people of Victoria deserved the highest standard of teaching and education which they could - and did - provide!

Now many things have changed in schools and early learning environments since these largely ‘chalk and talk’ days, but the single most significant factor in a successful education has not: quality, professional teachers.

While there have been technological advances in schools that allow teachers and students to access more resources than ever before, a teacher’s task has only become more demanding as they prepare young people for an infinitely more complex and competitive world.

The environment in which teachers teach always reflects the current social, economic and cultural challenges which teachers are required to navigate. Indeed, teachers are often asked to ameliorate any perceived problems to equip young people to survive, and thrive, in difficult circumstance. And I shouldn’t have to mention the particular challenges of the last few years of pandemic and widespread disruption to teaching, schools and early childhood services!

So, it is more important than ever that we recognise, thank and celebrate these professionals who are resolutely educating, inspiring and empowering young people everywhere to be the best that they can be.

Thank you to the teachers who allowed me the privilege of being educated.

Thank you to those to whom I confidently entrusted my children’s futures, and now my grandchildren’s futures.

We, in Victoria, can all share the privilege of a quality education made possible by the dedication and calibre of our Victorian teachers.”

VIT Chairperson, Lesley Lamb