Awards honour teachers

It’s time to honour inspiring teachers in the community.

Entries for the 2015 Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Awards are now open, rewarding those in the early childhood, primary, secondary and community sectors making a difference in education.

Education Minister Hekia Parata says the awards are an opportunity to acknowledge remarkable teachers delivering better educational outcomes.

‘ ‘ Quality teaching and strong leadership are crucial to raising student achievement and strong involvement from parents and high community expectations also make the difference outside of schools and early childhood services.’’

There are four main award categories: Excellence in governing, excellence in leading, excellence in teaching and excellence in engaging.

The winner of each category will receive $20,000 and professional development opportunities while also being eligible for the $30,000 Supreme Award.

The 2015 Education Focus Prize will also be awarded for demonstrated collaboration that develops communities of learning from early childhood through to senior schooling.

Entries close on March 20, 2015.

Finalists will be announced in May and a national awards ceremony will be held in June.