MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:05): I rise to recognise and applaud the work of Victoria’s teachers as we mark today World Teachers Day 2020. In particular I would like to recognise staff in the VET, Learn Local and higher education sectors across all fields and thank teachers, trainers, educators, leaders and support staff for all of their efforts in these challenging times. This year World Teachers Day is celebrating teachers with the theme ‘Leading in crisis, reimagining the future’. What I have seen this year is teachers and trainers simply going beyond the call of duty. Staff have worked rapidly to make sure training can continue remotely and online, and they have quickly built their skills and capacity so training providers can continue their important work. Most importantly they have kept their focus on students. Teachers and trainers have made sure that students stayed engaged in trying circumstances. They have made sure to check in with students who are struggling with their studies and facing other life challenges. Teachers have shown students that, no matter what life throws up, students can have confidence in their ability to continue to learn and reach their goals. To our teachers, trainers, educators, leaders and support staff I would like to say this: we celebrate you, we are proud of you and we thank you for the work that you do day in, day out to support students to get the vital skills and knowledge that lead to jobs, careers and fulfilling lives.
Category: Parliament
