Updated April 27, 2020 13:17:55

Heartfelt messages of support and admiration have flooded social media for school teachers heading back to the classroom across Australia.

Popular celebrities from Jimmy Barnes and Magda Szubanski to ABC political writer Annabel Crabb took to Twitter with the hashtag #TeachersRock, as teachers in NSW headed back to school on Monday.

The debate about whether schools should be open has been prominent during the coronavirus pandemic.

Each state has taken a different approach to re-opening school after the Easter holidays.

But while that debate continues, many took to Twitter to thank and praise the teachers on the front line.

Lead singer of Australian band Cold Chisel, Jimmy Barnes, told his followers that teachers were the "rockstars right now".

"I think we should all take a moment to say thank you to all the teachers and carers," the music legend posted online.

"You are all going above and beyond to make sure our kids continue their learning no matter what."

Australian Paralympic champion Kurt Fearnley also took to Twitter to thank his family members who work in the education system.

Teachers in Queensland went back to school on April 20, with students who are vulnerable or with parents of essential workers allowed to attend.

Online learning has become the new normal, with teachers and students quickly adapting to the new style of education.

The flood of support follows other online-led initiatives around the globe to thank those on the front line of the health crisis.

In the United Kingdom, the Clap For Carers initiative encouraged Britons to clap and cheer those working for the National Health Service in the streets.

Photo: Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his next-door neighbour, Treasury chief Rishi Sunak, joined the applause. (Reuters: Hannah McKay)

Prime Minister Boris Johnson led the applause from the front of 10 Downing Street, prior to being admitted to hospital with the virus.

The Royals also took part in the tributes, with Kensington Palace posting a video of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis applauding.

Across Europe, there have been similar displays of unity and affection for healthcare workers.

In Spain, where more than 23,000 people have been killed because of coronavirus, applause has rung out thanking those on the front line.

Topics: covid-19, diseases-and-disorders, health, education, australia

First posted April 27, 2020 12:33:35