NEiTA ASG Inspirational Teaching Awards
National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA)
In 1994, the Australian Scholarships Group formed NEiTA to conduct a program of national awards honouring the important role teachers in Australian schools and early childhood centres play in developing the potential of their students.
The awards promote public recognition of the teaching profession and specifically those teachers, principals and directors whose inspirational approach to teaching stimulates student learning.
NEiTA’s 2010 teaching awards program celebrates the role inspirational teachers play within the education and wider communities. In addition, three special categories will recognise special needs within the community that need highlighting. During 2010, these awards will be granted for Innovation, Community Engagement and Leadership Development alongside the ASG Inspirational Teaching Award.
A 2007 survey in the UK found that 76 per cent of respondents believed that an inspirational teacher had helped them succeed. Of these, 91 per cent said that a teacher had encouraged them to aim high and to achieve the best they possibly could.
These special teachers are found throughout our education systems and it is of benefit to the teaching profession that we identify and honour fine examples of inspirational teaching. These teachers will not only continue to shine as positive role models for beginning teachers, but also help build public confidence in the profession as a whole.
The program calls on parents, school councils, committees of management, student councils and local community organisations to identify teachers, directors and principals who are an inspiration to their students, to their peers and to their community.