The Award
The Leading Foundation Teacher Award recognises passionate and dedicated teachers who have made significant contributions to the care and teaching of children in the fields of early childhood and special needs education [i.e. Preschool Teachers and Educarers, Early Intervention Professionals, Special School Teachers, and Allied Educators (Learning and Behavioural Support)]. These are the teachers who have put in commendable efforts to make a difference in the lives of children. The Award is therefore looking out for teachers who display any one of these qualities:
- show exceptional dedication and commitment to go beyond the call of duty in caring for their students’ well-being – this depicts the ‘heart’ of teaching.
- take risks in searching and (re)searching for new ideas and in the process, enhances the quality of teaching and learning – this engenders the spirit of innovation.
- vocalise and stand up for the rights of children – this portrays advocacy at work.
The ‘change’ (i.e., benefits, improvements and/or progress) can be to the individual child and family, school/centre, or community.
Award winners will each receive a cash gift of $2,500 and an award certificate.
(The award ceremony for the 2021 LFTA will be a closed-door recorded event.)
Nominations
The National Institute of Education (Psychology and Child & Human Development Academic Group) invites schools, early childhood centres, teachers, parents, children, and members of the public to nominate full-time practitioners in any of the following categories:
- Early Childhood Educarers and Educators from Kindergarten, Child Care and Infant Care Settings
- Special School Educators from EIPIC and Special School Settings
- Allied Educators (Learning and Behavioural Support) from Primary and Secondary Schools
Nominees should have at least 3 years of teaching experience. They can be from the private or government educational settings.
Please note that this is a TEACHING AWARD. Those in management positions (e.g., principals, supervisors, operators, etc.) or who do not have teaching as their primary responsibility are not eligible for this award.
