Victoria is celebrating World Teachers' Day on Friday 30 October, to recognise the outstanding work and dedication of all teachers.
This year's World Teachers' Day theme 'Teachers: leading in crisis, reimagining the future' reflects the incredible contribution teachers have made in 2020.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has asked teachers all around the world to change their routines and adjust how they teach, to ensure students have the support they need to continue learning.
World Teachers' Day is an opportunity for our community to say 'thank you' to the teachers who continue to make such a profound difference to young lives throughout the state.
To celebrate World Teachers' Day, the Department is sharing stories on social media about some of our inspiring teachers.
Kingston Heath Primary School teacher Annaka Wheatley and Nossal High School theatre studies teacher Shane Woon are two teachers featuring in the campaign.
Annaka ran an IT company for 12 years before heading back to university to complete her teaching qualification, because she wanted to make a difference.
She described teaching as 'extremely rewarding'.
'I love the feeling when a child 'gets it' and it "clicks" and I've been a part of that,' Annaka said.
This year, Annaka enjoyed the opportunity to film a mini lesson for the ABC, to help kids learn from home.
Shane echoed Annaka's comments about wanting to make a difference. He said his biggest joy in teaching was seeing students' growth.
'As a teacher, it's great knowing that you've been a part of someone's journey and had an impact on them,' he said.
Shane and Annaka's stories reflect the views of thousands of teachers throughout the state, who continue to give so much of themselves to help students to learn and thrive at school.