Australia’s teachers continue to shape our communities and our future

29 October 2025: In honour of World Teachers’ Day this Friday 31 October, Teachers Health Group (THG) is asking Australians to honour the extraordinary role teachers and educators play in shaping our communities and our future.

The Difference They Make is about celebrating the dedication, compassion and influence of teachers across Australia -those who show up every day to inspire, guide and empower our children.

“We deeply understand teachers, their challenges and their needs”, said Brad Joyce, Group CEO, Teachers Health Group. “For more than 70 years, Teachers Health has supported the health and wellbeing of teachers with nearly ½ million lives covered by our fund”.

“Teachers show up every day with patience, empathy, creativity and unwavering commitment,” he continues. “They adapt, innovate and care deeply - often going above and beyond to support students through both academic and personal challenges. We know that the difference teachers make is not just in the classroom - but in the lives of students, families and communities. We want every teacher to feel seen, celebrated and appreciated”.

As part of the Teachers Health podcast series, The Teachers Who Shape Us, author and social commentator Jane Caro reflects on the educators who believed in her potential.

“Primary school was a challenge -I didn’t fit in with my peers or many of my teachers, and I was often made to feel like a misfit”, said Jane. “But there were glimmers of kindness that stayed with me - like the principal who always greeted me warmly, and Mr Dan (my Year 4 teacher), who was the first to make me feel smart, funny and worth encouraging. His belief in me helped me take a step forward, even when others didn’t see my potential.”

“That early experience of being judged taught me the lasting power of kindness” Jane continues. Teachers may never realise the impact of a small gesture or a kind word, but for a child who feels unseen, it can change everything.” “If I could say one thing to teachers today it would be that your work matters deeply. You don’t have to be perfect - just kind, fun and present. And sometimes, just being the person who sees a child for who they are can make all the difference”, Jane concluded. 

Join us in celebrating Australia's teachers

Nominate your favourite teacher here.

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To arrange an interview with Brad Joyce (Teachers Health Group) or Jane Caro, please contact:

Angela McCann m: 0414 330 879 | e: angela.mccann@teachershealth.com.au

About Teachers Health

Teachers Health is health insurance for teachers, the education community, and their families. Created by teachers for teachers over 70 years ago, Teachers Health has grown to become Australia’s largest industry-based health fund and one of the nation’s leading not-for-profit health insurers. Teachers Health is committed to members and looks after almost 200,000 educators and healthcare professionals, with more than 440,000 lives covered. Teachers Health’s increase in benefits, higher rebates, additional programs and member rewards - alongside a below-industry-average premium increase - means members get more from their coverage at a time when every dollar counts.

About The Teachers Who Shape Us Podcast

The Teachers Who Shape Us is a podcast series by Teachers Health, hosted by Kurt Fearnley - a high school teacher, Paralympic gold medallist, and passionate advocate for education and inclusion. The series celebrates the profound impact teachers have on our lives by featuring well-known Australians who share stories about the educators who shaped their journeys. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the teaching profession and the often-unsung heroes behind personal and professional success. Kurt brings a unique perspective as both an educator and a decorated athlete. His warm, insightful interviewing style helps guests open up about the pivotal moments and people in their educational lives.