We are celebrating them through these Sunderland Echo archive photos after a new study produced some fascinating findings.
A survey by The Works showed that 55% of adults believe that a teacher has helped shape their career.
Perhaps these examples from Sunderland and East Durham - from 1995 to 2008 covering Quarry View, Mill Hill, High School Juniors and many more - were among the ones you remember.
1. Ten out of ten if you take a look
Join us for a browse through a gallery of Echo teacher photos from years gone by. | se
2. Steve Tose in Hetton
Christopher Old of Hetton School pictured with teacher Steve Tose in April 1995. | se
3. Vickie Lumsdon at Quarry View Juniors
New teacher Vickie Lumsdon joined new starters at Quarry View Junior School for a photo in September 1998. | se
4. Ann Lowden at Oxclose Primary
Reception teacher Anne Lowden was joined by these four and five year olds for a photo in October 2004. | se