Gen-z and Millennials High on Teachers

Teachers might not feel appreciated but they’re still key figures in most of their students’ lives, especially with gen-z and millennials.

Friday 28 October is Teachers’ Day and new research from not-for-profit health fund Teachers Health shows teachers continue to be key role models and a source of inspiration for generations of Australians, leaving a long-lasting positive impact on students.

Teachers have ranked third as one of the nation’s top role models (35%), with parents (65%) and friends (39%) ranking as the top two. The findings reflected almost three-quarters (73%) of gen-z and millennials would class their teacher(s) as one of their role models during their lifetime, showing the key role educators play in students’ lives.

Gen-z and millennials have said their teachers had positively inspired them, with almost nine in ten (87%) within the demographic acknowledging teachers’ influence.

Overall, the research shows teachers have positively impacted the lives of almost three-quarters of Australians (72%), with gen-z and millennials leading this sentiment (84%).

In addition, the data also outlines what attributes Aussies have learnt outside of the curriculum noting growth (69%), confidence (68%), values (66%), teamwork (61%) and leadership (54%) as the top five.

The research is based on an online survey was hosted by Decibel Research, investigating a nationally representative sample of 2,000 Australians 18+, selected by the research panel provider Pureprofile. Fieldwork commenced on Tuesday 27th September and was completed on Friday 30th September 2022. 

SLSO Jessica Allan said her teachers inspired her to give back to the next generation of students.

“I’m constantly learning as every day is different, and that’s what I love the most about my job. I love the stories I go home with, whether it’s the lessons I teach them or the ones they unintentionally teach me.

“I’m proud to be a teacher and hope I can inspire and guide my students in the same way my teachers have inspired and affected me,” Allan said.

Educator Nancy Penfold says that the best part of being a teacher is, “Making a positive difference in the lives of my students, colleagues, and communities is what I love most about being a teacher. The moment you can see the ‘click’ and people get the confidence to gain more independence in whatever stage they’re in, it’s just magic.”

“I became a teacher because I’m passionate about helping people to become the best versions of themselves, so that they can be drivers of their destiny and have control over their lives. Once I had my first practice experience at university, I fell in love with it and knew that teaching was meant for me.”