WHAT IS THE NATIONAL TEACHER AWARDS

The National Teaching Awards Scheme was conceptualized and launched in 2000 and now enters its eighteenth year of implementation. Through extensive consultation, the scheme has been refined, sharpened, as well as broadened in terms of its frame and categories.

The Department acknowledges the extraordinary efforts made by the teachers, often in very difficult conditions. The efforts are a service to our children, most of whom come from poor communities.

The National Teaching Awards scheme is one of the ways in which the Department of Basic Education acknowledges, encourages dedicated and caring teachers in their efforts to develop each learner as a citizen of a democratic, non-racial and non-sexist South Africa.

There are ten categories as listed below:

(i) Excellence in Primary School Teaching;

(ii) Excellence in Secondary School Teaching;

(iii) Excellence in Primary School Leadership;

(iv) Excellence in Secondary School Leadership;

(v) Excellence in Grade R Teaching;

(vi) Excellence in Special Needs Teaching;

(vii) Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (GET);

(viii) Excellence in Teaching Natural Sciences (GET);

(ix) Excellence in Technology–Enhanced, Teaching and Learning Award; and

(x) Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award.