Mazenod College students recognise teachers through Herald Sun series

The principal of a prominent Melbourne school says respect for teachers is improving, but more needs to be done.

The principal of a prominent Melbourne school says respect for teachers is improving, but there needs to be greater understanding of the long hours, emotional demands and complex nature of their work.

Dr Paul Shannon, principal of the all-boys Mazenod College, says the online Covid experience has helped society gain a better appreciation for the work of teachers.

However, a gap remains in the public understanding the breadth of challenges teachers face and the positive impact they have on young people.

Follow our Australia’s Best Teachers advocacy series, in partnership with Officeworks, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools, Education Perfect and BigAss Fans, at this link.

Principal Dr Paul Shannon with Divya Shangari (Dean of Staff) and Jed Harrington (Faculty Head Junior School English) and students James Bhusal (Year 8) and Chibuikem Anyadoro (Year 11). Picture: Herald Sun

“I think we need to continue to work to increase public awareness of the importance of teachers in educating our young people and the impact teachers have on their growth as well-rounded people,” Dr Shannon said.

“Better resourcing of initial teacher training, media campaigns, community engagement and wages that reflect the skills of the job could help shift perceptions.

“On behalf of all principals and leaders in schools, I sincerely thank our teachers for the meaningful work they do.”

Under Dr Shannon, Mazenod students have embraced the Australia’s Best Teachers series, nominating dozens of teachers for recognition last year.

Mazenod is part of the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools network, which is a major supporter of the Best Teachers series and helped acknowledge hundreds of educators in the past two years.

MACS schools across greater Melbourne are nominating their favourite teachers as part of the annual series.

“I was overwhelmed by how engaged the boys were in last year’s campaign,” Dr Shannon said.

“Our school had the highest number of nominations from a single school around Australia, which is such a phenomenal achievement – and it was genuinely all student-led.

“The nominations for the Best Teachers series have significantly improved student-teacher relationships at Mazenod. When students recognise and appreciate their teachers, mutual respect and trust are built.

“When teachers feel valued and motivated, their connection with students is strengthened. As a result, students are more likely to engage actively in their learning and teachers become more invested in their students’ success.

“This recognition strengthens our school community, improving both academic outcomes and personal growth.”