World Teachers Day 30 October 2026

World Teachers' Day honours teachers, whose passion and hard work make a real difference to student’s lives every day.

In Australia, we celebrate World Teachers’ Day on 30 October, which differs from the international date held annually on 5 October.

The day urges us to ‘shine a light’ on all educators, including Teachers of the Deaf (TODs), who inspire, support, and empower our children and young people every single day.

In Victoria, TODs are highly specialised educators who play a vital role in ensuring deaf and hard of hearing students have full access to the curriculum. Through their expertise in language development, communication, and inclusive learning, TODs break down barriers and ensure these young people have the tools to thrive socially and emotionally.

To qualify as a TOD, these professionals hold a baseline teaching degree plus a Master’s level postgraduate qualification specialising in deaf education or special and inclusive education.

The Victorian Department of Education supports pathways to become a TOD by offering fully funded postgraduate courses as part of its Inclusive Education Scholarship Initiative. Scholarships are open to eligible teachers and regional staff who support students with diverse learning needs. Application rounds run in February each year.

For more information, see Inclusive Education Scholarships