The parents of Sunrise star Matt Shirvington want to encourage a new generation of young people to become teachers, after devoting their entire careers to educating youngsters.
This week, the pair has been profiled by NewsCorp’s Australia’s Best Teachers campaign, which aims to showcase inspiring and innovative educators across the country.
Shirvo’s mother, Jenny, 72, taught for 40 years in primary school classrooms, rising to the position of Assistant Principal.
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And Shirvo’s dad, Phil, 73, taught high school subjects including science, geology, history and physical education, for 43 years.
On Friday, Shirvington celebrated their legacy as educators, praising their devotion to helping kids achieve their dreams.
“These two teachers definitely changed my life, Mr and Mrs Shirvington,” Shirvo told Sunrise viewers.
“Meet my mum and dad, who each taught for over 40 years.”
Shirvo recalled a time living in London when he got a knock on the window of a black cab from a young woman, who wanted to tell him she was taught by his father, Phil.
Phil even taught Blue Wiggle Anthony Field, who once mentioned it during a live TV interview.
Shirvo spoke to his parents about their careers, with Phil and Jenny both saying teaching was rewarding work.
“Do it (if you’re interested),” Jenny said.
“It’s hard work, and it’s getting harder, and it’s time-consuming, and it’s heartbreaking, but the kids need you.”
Shirvo wasn’t taught by his parents, but he certainly wasn’t a stranger to seeing the family dining table filled with reports and assignments that needed to be marked.
Despite his own athletic achievements, Phil and Jenny praised their son for his commitment to school.
“Some of your teachers in the past, who I’m still friends with, say ‘Oh, Matt, he was a good kid’,’’ Jenny said.
Matt was raised in Davidson, on Sydney’s northern beaches.
He is married to author Jessica Shirvington, with whom he has three children.