The Award

The Leading Foundation Teacher Award recognises passionate and dedicated teachers who have made significant contributions to the care and teaching of children in the fields of early childhood and special education needs  [i.e. Preschool Educators, Early Years Educators Infant Educators, Early Intervention Professionals, Special School Teachers, and Special Educational Needs Officers. These are the teachers who have put in commendable efforts to make a difference in the lives of children. The Award is therefore looking out for teachers who display any one of these qualities:

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• show exceptional dedication and commitment to go beyond the call of duty in caring for their students’ well-being – this depicts the ‘heart’ of teaching.
• take risks in searching and (re)searching for new ideas and in the process, enhances the quality of teaching and learning – this engenders the spirit of innovation.
• vocalise and stand up for the rights of children – this portrays advocacy at work.

The ‘change’ (i.e., benefits, improvements and/or progress) can be to the individual child and family, school/centre, or community.

 Award winners will each receive a cash gift of $2,500 and an award certificate.

Nominations
The National Institute of Education (Psychology and Child & Human Development Academic Group) invites schools, early childhood development centres, teachers, parents, children, and members of the public to nominate full-time practitioners in any of the following categories:

1. Preschool Educators, Early Years Educators, Infant Educators from Kindergarten, Child Care and Infant Care Settings
2. Special School Educators from EIPIC and Special School Settings
3. Special Educational Needs Officers from Primary and Secondary Schools

Nominees should have at least 3 years of teaching experience in Singapore. They can be from the private or government educational settings.

Please note that this is a TEACHING AWARD. Those in management positions (e.g., principals, supervisors, operators, etc.) or who do not have teaching as their primary responsibility are not eligible for this award.