Western Australia's teachers acknowledged

The dedication and hard work of all Western Australian teachers should be remembered on World Teachers' Day today, Education Minister Dr Liz Constable said.

Dr Constable said the community owed teachers a great debt of gratitude.

"We can all recall a special teacher who inspired us and made a significant difference to our lives," she said.

"Today is a time to reflect on this and to acknowledge the enormous contribution that teachers make - to our society and to the development in learning of each child.

"Teachers work across our large State from the remotest points in the north to the far south and right out to the WA border.

"Their role and efforts cannot be underestimated.

"I have had a strong interest in education for many years and, since becoming Minister, have been particularly impressed with the dedication and creativity of teachers I have worked with."

The Minister said it had been a challenging time for the profession with significant changes to curriculum and teacher shortages.

World Teachers' Day was inaugurated by UNESCO in 1993 as an international opportunity to recognise the vital contribution teachers made to education and development.

In Australia, World Teachers' Day is celebrated on October 31.

Minister's office - 9222 9699