Minister Schäfer encourages teachers to participate in the NTAs

Nominations for the annual National Teaching Awards (NTA) are now open for 2021, giving us all the opportunity to recognise the incredible work that so many of our teachers have done over the past year. This is the 21^st year in which the awards will be made, and begins with the Provincial Awards which will take place 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. 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 WCED website: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/national-teaching-awards

New categories have been added this year,

• National Best Teacher Award: This award will honour the best teachers/school leaders who will represent South Africa in the Global Teacher Prize which is presented annually to an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to their profession; and
• S/Hero Award: for this edition the award will honour teachers/school leaders who initiate any form of innovation during the global pandemic of COVID-19.

In addition, awards will be offered in these 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
• Kader Asmal Excellence Award

The DBE has also 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.

Some of our 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 here:

https://bit.ly/NTADiscussionSchedule

The closing date for entries is the 6^th of August 2021, so please do take up this opportunity to enter as soon as possible. I look forward to congratulating the winners later this year!