Australian public perceptions of
THE TEACHING PROFESSION
Researchers from Monash University surveyed*
teachers and members of the public in Australia
about public perceptions of the teaching profession.
Here are their responses on the topic of appreciation.
*surveys carried out August and September 2019
Teacher responses
When asked to respond to the statement: 'I feel that the Australian public appreciates teachers'
lack of feeling appreciated and valued for
experience
I feel unsupported and not valued
I feel
underappreciated and disrespected in
community, public and media
Survey comments included ...
15% 56% 28%
Strongly
disagree Disagree Agree
1%
Strongly agree
www.teachermagazine.com.au Source: Heffernan, A., Longmuir, F., Bright, D., & Kim, M. (2019). Perceptions of teachers and
teaching in Australia. Monash University. https://www.monash.edu/thank-your-
teacher/docs/Perceptions-of-Teachers-and-Teaching-in-Australia-report-Nov-2019.pdf
Researchers say the below responses from both groups of participants
suggest the public feels teachers are respected and trusted, but this is not consistently transferring to teachers feeling appreciated for their work.
Public responses
Public perceptions of
respect for teachers Public perceptions of trust for teachers
33%
60%
4% 3%
19%
63%
15%
3%
respectedWell
Moderately respected respectedNot
Don't Not know
trusted Don't
know
Trusted
Moderately trusted
