The country’s top teachers will again be recognised with the annual hosting of the National Teaching Awards (NTA).
The call for nomination for the 2021 instalment of the competition opened last week. The 21st hosting of the awards again grants the opportunity for the recognition of the incredible work that so many teachers have done over the past year. It starts with the provincial awards, which will he held before the national awards ceremony.
“All teachers, governing bodies and district officials are invited to submit nominations, based on the criteria contained in the Nomination and Information Guide,” explained provincial education minister Debbie Schäfer.
“The awards are open to all teachers at registered public sector schools. A circular has been sent to schools with the full details and more information as well as the relevant guides can be found on the Western Cape Education Department’s website.”
The following awards will be offered in the existing categories: excellence in Grade R teaching; excellence in primary school teaching; excellence in secondary school teaching; excellence in primary school leadership; excellence in secondary school leadership; excellence in special needs teaching; excellence in technology-enhanced, teaching and learning award; excellence in teaching mathematics (FET); excellence in teaching physical sciences (FET); lifetime achievement award; and Kader Asmal excellence award.
Two new categories have also been added – the national best teacher award to honour the best teachers or school leaders who will represent South Africa in the Global Teacher Prize and the superhero award to honour teachers or school leaders who initiated any form of innovation during the global pandemic of Covid-19.
“The Department of Basic Education advised that a companion award, the National Learner Award, will be included in the NTAs, and we await further details regarding the criteria and how to apply,” Schäfer related
“Some of our [past] provincial winners have kindly made themselves available for online webinars to speak about their journey to the awards and to encourage others to participate. The dates and times of these webinars can be found at https://bit.ly/NTADiscussionSchedule.”
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The closing date for nominations is tomorrow (Friday 6 August).
