This Friday is World Teachers’ Day, and the community is being encouraged to acknowledge and celebrate the immense effort and dedication teachers put into their work.

This acknowledgement is much needed with a recent Teaching and Learning International Survey report revealing Australian teachers are the second most stressed in the world.

In response to this alarming statistic, the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) has launched the 'Hats Off to Teachers' campaign, a nationwide call for parents and students to show some love.

Families and schools can grab a free celebration kit (visit: www.aitsl.edu.au/worldteachersday) with printable hats, posters, and thank-you cards, making it easy for kids to say a heartfelt 'thank you' to the teachers who make a difference in their lives every day.

Recent research from AITSL showed that while teachers face some of the highest stress levels globally, they remain heroes in the hearts of Australians.

AITSL CEO Tim Bullard said AITSL’s Australian Teacher Workforce Survey highlighted that teachers find their work deeply rewarding – around 89 per cent say their job makes them feel happy at least some of the time.

"The research showed that quality teaching was the most significant in-school factor influencing student learning," Mr Bullard said.

"On World Teachers’ Day, we want to shine a spotlight on the expertise and dedication of our teachers and encourage everyone across Australia to tip their hat in recognition of the vital work they do."

However, heavy workloads, time pressure, and emotional demands are the top stressors, and more than half of teachers report some level of burnout.

AITSL works to ensure that every child and young person in Australia has access to high-quality teaching and leadership, and that every teacher and leader has the support, development, and recognition they need to be effective in their roles.

“Teachers wear many hats, and quality teaching shapes who we become, from sparking curiosity to guiding us through life," Mr Bullard said.

"World Teachers’ Day matters because it reminds us to recognise that impact.”

AITSL’s research found:

• A whopping 87 per cent of Australians agree that teachers deserve more recognition

• Seven in 10 say a teacher made a lasting, positive difference in their life

• The most admired teacher qualities are patience (59pc), empathy (38pc), and dedication (31pc)