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Teacher recognition and award programs can be found in countries around the globe. As part of my research on this topic for my book "Awards and Recognition for Exceptional Teachers", I was able to document the existence of the programs outlined below. The sampling of the programs presented are offered to highlight the importance of teaching, improving teaching pedagogy, adding to the professionalism involved in the field of teaching, and helping to retain the excellent teachers within their school systems. |
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Outstanding teacher Leni Flores receiving her award and cheque from Wil and Susan Lala. |
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Disclaimer: All information contained in the Schooldays magazine website is material supplied by the writers and advertisers. Schooldays magazine bears no responsibility for any claims made by the writers or advertisers. All information is for educational purposes only, it is up to the reader to make a decision of integrity.
© Schooldays magazine 2009-2011
by Dr Hans Andrews
Australian Awards
Australian College of Educators
The Australian Awards for Teaching Excellence recognise and celebrate the exceptional achievements of the teaching profession from early childhood through to senior secondary schooling.
The Awards raise the status of the teaching profession through:
- recognising, celebrating and rewarding teachers, principals, support staff and schools
- building greater appreciation in the community of the high quality of the Australian teaching profession
- providing professional learning experiences
An initiative of the Australian Government, the awards are managed by Teaching Australia with the assistance of the Australian College of Educators (ACE).
Australian Academy of Science Teachers
The Australian Academy of Science Teachers makes annual teaching awards. The awards are made to teachers from each State and Territory.
The Award gives recognition to teachers (individuals and teams) who have outstanding presentation skills and who have made a broad and deep contribution to enhancing the quality of learning and teaching in higher education.
Other awards include:
- Prime Minister’s award for Teacher of the Year worth $50,000
- Up to 210 citations for academic and general staff valued at $10,000
Award monies must be partially spent on individual or team professional development or enhancing university’s learning and teaching program and/or international activity. The funds are to be used for a world trip of study of art works in selected galleries. The winner is also expected to attend a course or visit schools. The summer break is an acceptable time to accomplish this travel. The 2005/2006 year was the tenth and last year of this award.
Australian Teacher Education Association
The Australian Teacher Education Association (ATEA) 2010 Pearson Education Teacher Educator of the Year award of $3,000 goes to a teacher educator who is a current, paid-up member of ATEA. A cheque and plaque are presented to the winner at the annual ATEA conference.
NeITA The National Excellence in Teaching Awards
Australia’s only national, independent community-centred teaching awards program that gives Australian secondary students, parents, early childhood and school communities the opportunity to formally thank their hard-working, inspirational teachers, principals and directors. NeITA honours inspirational teachers and works in partnership with communities across Australia to help raise the profile and recognition of teaching. The 2010 awards are now open for nomination and parents, school councils, committees, parent associations, secondary student councils and community organisations can nominate. Forms can be downloaded from: www.neita.com.au
England
The Teacher Support Network (TSN) - Teacher Well-being
The Teacher Support Network's (TSN) top program centres on teacher well-being. Concern about the large number of teachers who drop out of teacher education institutes is a major problem the network attacks. Retention in schools is a second major concern.
The central role this organization plays is in helping improve management, its ethos, and the general morale amongst staff members in schools.
Patrick Nash, Chief Executive of the Teacher Support Network, explains the need for teachers to experience respect and recognition. He noted that when teachers are praised, supported, and consulted with, their well-being is generally found to be higher (The secrets of ..., p. 1)".
Scotland
The Teacher Support Scotland network began in 2001 to improve the well being of teachers and lecturers throughout Scotland.
The results of a study relating to ill health of retired teachers concluded that the support that is available for the well being of teachers was very inadequate (Study confirms that ..., 2005).
In the autumn of 2004 there were 37 teachers in Scotland awarded with the "chartered status" which carried with it a £6,500 salary increase.
The "chartered status" program is aimed at keeping good teachers in the Scottish schools. It came about as a result of the study titled, "A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century". One of the main goals is to keep good teachers teaching rather than moving into administration or other related non-classroom positions. Out of this program should come strong satisfaction in the job, professional recognition and a better salary for their commitment to stay in teaching. The Education Minister, Peter Peacock, announced over 6,500 teachers had registered their interest in this program.
A 13-year teacher, Angus Morrison, an English teacher stated, "There was a lot of work involved in undertaking chartered teacher but in the end it was well worth it. I am delighted to have got the award and of course the other positive thing about the programme is that it gives teachers a reward in salary while allowing them to remain in the classroom."
A 29-year teacher veteran, Annie McSeveney saw chartered status as a major step forward for classroom teachers: "It provides recognition for informed and reflective classroom practice. I would love to see a lot more teachers taking up the opportunity to work for chartered teacher status", said McSeveney.
Gaining Chartered Teaching status has both a standard and four professional values and personal commitments that each teacher must reach in order to obtain this recognition.
Canada
There are a number of awards given to teachers in the Canadian provinces each year. Obtaining corporate help in providing financial support has been most important. The Canadian governmental offices use these awards as one way to improve upon the nation's teaching force. The awards receive local, regional and high level national recognition across each province as well as across the country (Corporate partners, 2005).
Prime Minister Awards for Teaching Excellence
The yearly National Prime Minister Awards present a hierarchy of recognition levels. The highest awards are given to teachers as Awards for Teaching Excellence as a means of recognizing excellence in teaching in all of the disciplines.
The Certificates of Excellence national awards present up to 15 winners with a $5,000 cash prize to be shared between the recipient and the recipient's school or the teaching institution. These financial amounts go to the winners' schools to be used as directed by the winning teachers. The 50 Certificate of Achievement Awards of $1,000 are awarded at a regional level and are sent directly to the recipients.
Certificates of Excellence go to 15 recipients who are the top nominated teachers. One of these awards go to each of the regions of: British Columbia; Prairies; Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut; Ontario; Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. These winners are presented at local ceremonies. The local members of the Parliament and Ministers are encouraged to participate in these activities.
Belize (San Pedro, Ambergris Caye)
She is a hard working teacher. She is kind to all students.
When I don't understand something she teaches it over --
without scolding or screaming but, in fact, in a fine and kind way.
From a nomination letter for winner Leni Flores.
An "Outstanding Teacher Award" was given for the first time in 1999-2000 to a teacher from the San Pedro Roman Catholic School.
During Education Awareness Week in May of that year, the winner received a $1,000 bonus and twenty-three teachers received a special Merit Award and cash award for outstanding performance as teachers.
In her desire to make this an annual event, Principal Roxannie Kay stated, "This type of event and recognition motivates our teachers to keep giving their best to improve the quality of education in our school (Leni Flores ..., p. 1)."
About the author
Dr Hans A. Andrews is the Distinguished Fellow for Community College Leadership at Olney Central College in Southeastern Illinois and was President of Olney Central College and presently lives in Ottawa, Illinois, USA. A former secondary school teacher and Director of Counseling and Guidance, Hans Andrews has published six books on awards. He is an internationally known consultant in the areas of faculty evaluation, teacher awards and recognition and dual-credit programs. Visit www.matildapress.com or go to the Schooldays bookshop to purchase books by Hans Andrews.
International Teaching Awards
