The VARKEY GEMS Foundation conducted a survey with 1,000 representative respondents in each of 21 chosen countries. This index published in 2013, addresses the major differences in the way teachers are perceived by the public in different countries; perceptions that inform who decides to become a teacher, how they are respected, and how they are financially rewarded. This affects the kind of job they do in teaching children, and ultimately how effective they are in getting the best from their pupils in terms of their learning. An evaluation of teacher status can provide valuable insight for both educationalists and governments to improve educational outcomes. Furthermore, a global comparison may highlight trends and similarities across countries that can be evaluated to aid educational reforms.