TAFE Queensland educators are being acknowledged for going above and beyond to support their students ahead of World Teachers’ Day tomorrow.
Minister for Employment and Training Di Farmer said the contributions teachers make should be recognised everyday but with the additional challenges presented to educators and students in recent times – today they deserved special thanks.
“The theme of World Teachers’ Day 2021 is ‘Teachers at the heart of education recovery,’ which acknowledges their tireless efforts to keep lessons going and students motivated during the pandemic,” Minister Farmer said.
“Teaching is a rewarding career but it’s also a challenging one and the past 18 months have presented new and unique challenges.
“Educators all across Queensland have gone to great lengths to ensure there has been minimal disruption to learning and courses and career pathways can continue.”
Minister Farmer said TAFE Queensland educators are delivering high quality training in more than 465 educational programs online, in the workplace and from around 60 campus locations throughout Queensland.
“We know that jobs change lives, but the educators that help shape these careers are the important link and they are changing lives too,” Minister Farmer said.
“We are lucky to have such a highly experienced and qualified TAFE workforce in Queensland, who are dedicated to delivering best practice and innovative training that provides real employment outcomes for our students and employers.
“Not only is every teacher well-connected with their industry, but they’re also passionate about passing on their hard-earned knowledge to their students and supporting their local communities throughout Queensland.”
TAFE cookery teacher Valerio Esposito is an example of this passion, sharing his love of teaching and cooking with hundreds of students in North Queensland.
“The most rewarding part of my job is to build other people’s skills and knowledge,” Mr Esposito said.
“From school-based students to international students or students with special needs, I have the chance to make a difference in their professional lives.”
The experienced Chef and qualified teacher, recently recognised as North Queensland’s VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year, is known for making cooking theory accessible for everyone and often uses a webcam to record off-campus students doing routine tasks, such as breaking down a chicken, so they can watch it back later and recall the steps.
“I feel that every time one of my students is awarded their certificate, it’s a success story,” Mr Esposito said.
Minister Farmer said all Queenslanders should thank an educator today.
“Everyone can remember a teacher that made a significant impact on their lives and I imagine that when we think about them now, we wish we had thanked them more,” Minister Farmer said.
“During the pandemic educators went above and beyond to support our students and I’m extremely grateful and proud of the work Queensland educators do every day.
“Today, let’s remind educators that we support them too and take a moment to say ‘thank you’ for the wonderful work they do that inspires and improves the lives of Queensland’s students.
“Our teachers are providing the training that Queenslanders need and equipping students, communities and industry partners with the skills required for the jobs of the future and securing the economic recovery of Queensland.”
World Teachers’ Day is celebrated in Australia on October 29.
