This document discusses the importance of having more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teachers in Australian classrooms. It provides quotes from several Indigenous teachers and school administrators who believe that seeing Indigenous teachers helps encourage Indigenous students to value education and feel proud of their cultural identity. They say Indigenous teachers play a key role in helping non-Indigenous students better understand Aboriginal history and culture as well.

8. Aboriginal people
have always been
teachers
Josh Cubillo

9. We need more Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander teachers
in Australian classrooms, not
only to close the gap on
numeracy and literacy, but to
help our non-Indigenous
colleagues develop more
understanding about
Aboriginal history and culture.
Judith Ketchell
Principal, Tagai State College

10. To encourage more Aboriginal kids to become
teachers is a great thing, because the more people
they see in a teaching role the more it encourages
them to come to school and to get an education.
Corey Warrior, Teacher, Craigmore High School

11. Four kaurna icons
The key to success in
dealing with kids of all
ages and backgrounds is
inclusive education that
brings the community
along with it.
Mitchell Drage,
Principal, WA

12. For Koori Kids it’s about being proud and being black.
The only way students can do that is if they see more Kooris in school.
Tammy Anderson, Principal, Briar Road State School, NSW

13. I wanted to be a Anangu teacher in a Fregon school
It’s important for our children because they are learning two languages, English and Pitjantjatjara
Anangu Teacher Education Program (AnTEP) graduates, University of South Australia.

14. I think it’s vitally
important to
maintain that level
of interest in
young children in
Aboriginal culture
and history.
Adam Duncan,
Pre-school Teacher, ACT

21. This Project is funded by the
Australian Government
through the More Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander
Teachers Initiative.
www.matsiti.edu.au