Clemenger BBDO Combats Teacher Shortage In New Campaign

To combat the national teacher shortage, a new content-led campaign has launched via Clemenger BBDO across social platforms, cinema, OOH, television, and PR—celebrating the unparalleled impact that teachers can have, both on the lives of students and on their own.

Australia is facing an unprecedented teacher shortage. The Federal Government projects a shortfall of more than 4000 high school teachers by 2025, with shortages extending across the board–according to one report from the Department of Education.

The campaign is centred around an exhibition of objects. The exhibition showcases real mementos from students that teachers have kept throughout their careers. The mementos range from the expected—heartfelt letters and ‘thank you’ cards to the less expected—a star named for a teacher.

Eight films created as part of the campaign were directed by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Christopher Nelius and show teachers from around Australia as they share the stories behind their most cherished mementos. After telling their stories, the teachers visit an exhibition space to place their mementos amongst others from teachers around Australia. Each film ends with a simple but inspiring call to action, asking viewers to ‘Be That Teacher’.

One film tells the story of South Australian teacher Stacy Frogley (lead image) and her former student, Izzy. Izzy has sacral agenesis—a rare congenital disorder that over time has left her unable to walk. After Mrs Frogley suggested to Izzy that she may enjoy swimming, the student went on to become a Silver Medal-winning Paralympian for Australia. At the end of her interview, Mrs Frogley is surprised by Izzy, who flew interstate to take part in the exhibition between swimming events—so passionate is she about the impact the teacher has had on her life.

Through social media, teachers around Australia are being invited to take part in the exhibition by sharing further stories. These stories will be published across social channels as well as on a content hub at BeThatTeacher.gov.au.

“This campaign is an important part of the work the Australian, state and territory governments are undertaking to attract and retain teachers. While I knew the teachers that feature in the advertising had great stories to share, I wasn’t expecting the emotional and uplifting journey they took me on. I’m really excited to see what the response is,” said Dijanna Ratajkoski, assistant secretary, communication at the People, Parliamentary, Communication Division of Australian Government Department of Education.

“You don’t really have to “sell” teaching. You just have to get out of the way and let teachers tell their stories. That’s when it becomes very clear that teaching is more than just a job, it’s a chance to fundamentally change young people’s lives for the better–and who wouldn’t want to do that?” said Clemenger BBDO Executive Creative Director Tristan Graham.

Be That Teacher launches on 1st November and will run for up to 12 months.

Other works in the series include:

Ms Luc Year 7 Teacher, WA (60 sec)

Ms Kentwell Primary Teacher, QLD (60 sec)

Mr Wang Year 10 Teacher, VIC (60 sec)

Mr Collinson Year 5 & 6 Teacher, NT (60 sec)

Miss Andrews Year 4 Teacher, TAS (60 sec)

Mr Davies Year 9 Teacher, ACT (60 sec)

Mrs Lacey Year 7 Teacher, NSW (60 sec)

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