On Friday, 28 October, the Commonwealth Bank unveiled the results of its latest survey, which highlights the impact teachers have on their students’ lives.
For example, the survey found half of respondents said their career was inspired by a favourite teacher, while 65 per cent believed teachers had a significant impact on their development in general.
To further support the work of exemplary teachers, the Commonwealth Bank has partnered with Schools Plus – an education not-for-profit organisation – to launch the Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards.
The awards will provide Fellowships valued at $45,000 to each of the 12 award recipients, comprising of $10,000 to be put toward each individual’s professional development, $5,000 for a 12-month secondment and study tour in Singapore as well as $30,000 to go fund a project that improves student performance and wellbeing.
Commonwealth Bank’s General Manager of Corporate Responsibility, Kylie Macfarlane said in a media release that supporting good teaching meant supporting students.
“With Australian kids spending hundreds of hours at school during their lifetime, it was no surprise that almost half (46 per cent) say a great teacher motivated them to succeed.
“But what we also found was that the majority (78 per cent) of Aussies say great teachers are shaping the future of our country, and as we believe teachers are one of our most valuable resources, we couldn’t agree more.”
The results of the Commonwealth Bank’s survey were conducted ahead of the awards’ launch, with respondents drawn from across Australia.
Other results of the survey:
- 87% of respondents believes teachers can improve a student’s future
- 27% credit their own success to a teacher
- Most felt the greatest impact by teachers when in their final years, saying their favourite teachers taught them in Year 10 (31%), Year 11 (29%) or Year 12 (28%)
Chief Executive of Schools Plus, Rosemary Conn said the new awards initiative are “an excellent way for all Australians to recognise their most inspiring teachers”.
Nominations, which are open to teachers from all sectors of the Australian schools system (whether government, Catholic or independent), are open until 30 November this year.
For more information or to nominate, see the Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards website.
