New “Year of the Teacher” category at this year’s Provincial Teaching Awards

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has chosen 'The Year of the Teacher' as a key theme for 2017. We are using this time to listen, to reflect, to acknowledge and to celebrate our excellent teachers.

For this reason, I have introduced four additional awards to be presented as a "special award" at this year's Annual Provincial Teaching Awards, scheduled for presentation on 3 November 2017.
 
The Annual Provincial Teaching Awards recognises excellence and high levels of professionalism and provides the education fraternity with the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of outstanding teachers.

The Year of the Teacher Awards are in addition to the Provincial awards this year. The key difference is that we are specifically asking learners to nominate teachers for the awards.

We will present the additional Year of the Teacher Awards in the following categories:

1. Year of the Teacher - Primary School Teacher
2. Year of the Teacher - High School Teacher
3. Year of the Teacher - Primary School Teacher - Special Needs Education
4. Year of the Teacher - High School Teacher - Special Needs Education

Often our teachers are not recognized for the important roles they play in our schools, despite the fact that these days, being a teacher requires much more than delivering a quality curriculum for our learners. Many of our teachers have to face on-going challenges such as poverty, gang violence, abuse and crime.

Despite these challenges, many of our educators in the Western Cape continue to go selflessly beyond the call of duty to ensure that their learners receive the best quality education.

Being acknowledged for their service and dedication is a significant reward that they can receive, especially from their learners and school communities.

I therefore call on learners to identify teachers who provide outstanding examples of educators who are making a massive difference in our schools and communities.

Learners may request a copy of the nomination form from their school secretary or download from the web at https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/

The deadline for nominations for the Year of the Teacher Awards is the 22nd September 2017

Don't hesitate - nominate your favourite teacher today!