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.
5. Sally Davey at Mill Hill Primary
An English class was under way when we got Sally in the photo, teaching seven and eight year olds at Mill Hill Primary in April 2005. | se
6. Christine Collins at Farringdon School Nursery
A day of emotion for nursery teacher Christine in September 2005. She was pictured with pupils who were about to leave to go into the infants school. | se
7. Gill Heslop at Easington Lane
Head teacher Gill Heslop was busy looking at old school log books in October 2006. Joining her for the session at Easington Lane School were Robyn Walker and Nathan Anderson. | se
8. Alison Downie at Southwick Primary
Alison was sharing laughs with pupils at the school in May 2007. She was pictured on the day she returned to the primary where she used to teach before she moved to live in France. | se