The Daily Echo Education Awards 2017

Has your teacher gone beyond the call of duty to help you at school?

Is your child excelling at school thanks to its high standards?

Are your staff the best?

If so now is the time to recognise the hard work, commitment and dedication of those working in schooling.

The Daily Echo Education Awards 2017 will celebrate those who really make a difference in our local schools.

Awards will be presented in 11 different categories at a glittering awards ceremony at the Grand Harbour hotel on March 23 2017 - and you can send your nominations in now.

Members of the public are urged to nominate people from all walks of school life, from headteachers and PE teachers to lunchtime supervisors and lollipop ladies.

Daily Echo editor Ian Murray said: “Every successful person has a duty to recognise a great teacher or someone involved in their education and this is the opportunity for the next generation to say thank you to those who worked so hard to set them on the road to a bright future.

“I hope that as many of will be forthcoming and that we can turn the spotlight on all those involved in working so hard in the education sector.”

The deadline for nominations is Friday, February 3 after which a panel of judges will be faced with the difficult decision of creating a shortlist and choosing an overall winner.

Three people will be shortlisted in each category and they, along with a guest of their choice, will be invited to the awards event.

Extra tickets can be purchased by family, friends and colleagues who wish to support the nominees.

Now’s your chance to get some recognition for the people that make all the difference in local schools.

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: This category celebrates the achievements of those who are new into the profession, for example a newly qualified teacher. Entrants should have been in either primary or secondary education for no longer than two years.

SUPPORTING STAFF MEMBER OF THE YEAR:

This category can include caretakers, support assistants, school crossing patrol people and other non-teaching staff. It is aimed at those who always give exceptional service and make a real difference to their educational establishment through their work.

LEADERSHIP AWARD:

This category is to celebrate outstanding achievement(s) of a Head teacher or senior leadership team member or governor who has made an exceptional contribution to education.

VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION AWARD:

This category is to celebrate achievement or dedication of governors, parents etc, who have shown dedication and commitment to their school or college on a voluntary basis.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AWARD:

This category is to celebrate the dedication of schools, students or teachers that have developed initiatives that forge strong links with their community.

INNOVATION AWARD:

This category is to celebrate a new idea which has had a significant positive impact on children and young people or an educational establishment that has demonstrated a commitment to providing new opportunities for students.

NURSERY/PRIMARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR:

This category is to celebrate outstanding achievement or dedication of individual nursery/primary phase teachers who inspire and engage pupils and make an exceptional contribution to the life of their school or nursery.

MIDDLE/SECONDARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR:

This category is to celebrate outstanding achievement or dedication of individual secondary phase teachers. We are looking for teachers who inspire and engage pupils and make an exceptional contribution to their school.

COLLEGE/SIXTH FORM TEACHER OF THE YEAR:

This category is to celebrate outstanding achievement or dedication of individuals from college or sixth form phase. We are looking for teachers who inspire and engage students and make an exceptional contribution to their education establishment.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:

This category is for example to celebrate an individual or school that can demonstrate outstanding achievements for their educational establishment.

SCHOOL OR COLLEGE OF THE YEAR:

This category is to recognise a school or college that is more than just an education establishment. Do students, parents and staff come together to create something truly special? It could be local community involvement, or a different approach to learning? This award is not just for those which achieve fantastic exam results – we’re looking for those which go the extra mile for their students.