Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize

Issue: Volume 94, Number 12

Posted: 13 July 2015
Reference #: 1H9cr_

Applications for the Prime Minister’s Science Prizes close on 31 July. The teacher’s prize is worth $50,000, and their school will be awarded $100,000.

2014 winner of the Prime Minister’s Science Prize for Teaching, Terry Burrell, Onslow College

Are you a teacher with an innovative approach to science or do you know a teacher who has had a real impact on students’ attitudes to science? What could you do with $50,000 and what could your school do with $100,000?

Applications for the Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize close on 31 July, so now is the time to apply.

Like the Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Awards held recently, the prize is all about recognising and celebrating outstanding achievements in teaching. The New Zealand government introduced the Prime Minister’s Science Prizes in 2009 as a way of raising the profile and prestige of science among New Zealanders. There are five prizes in total.

Nominations for the Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize are open to teachers who have been teaching in the same school for at least 12 months prior to nomination, and in the case of secondary school teachers the majority of their teaching time must have been devoted to teaching science subjects. Nominees who apply must be either a New Zealand citizen or have permanent New Zealand residency. Teachers also need to be qualified, registered and employed in a permanent capacity in a New Zealand school by a Board of Trustees. The principal of the school will also need to supply a confidential statement in support.

Selection for the Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize will be based on evidence of significant achievements in science education. To be considered, the achievements must have occurred within five years of the date of nomination.

The entry must demonstrate how the nominee meets the following criteria:

  • Evidence of a sound understanding and practical application of quality pedagogy.
  • Quantitative and qualitative evidence that the nominee’s actions have led to improved outcomes in science for their students in their own classroom.
  • How they have influenced the school’s delivery of and engagement with science, including supporting their colleagues.
  • Evidence to show how they have contributed to the awareness and appreciation of science in their national and local science education community.

Teachers need to be nominated by someone knowledgeable about their work, who is able to comment on all of the judging criteria. A short CV for the nominator will also be required, to ensure they are in a position to understand the pedagogy involved.

$50,000 of the prize money goes to the recipient. In addition, the prize recipient’s school is awarded $100,000 to invest in science education within the school. An indicative plan of how the school will invest the funds needs to be included in the application process.

All nominations must be completed and received by 5pm (NZST), Friday 31 July, 2015.

Please go to Prime Minister’s Science Prizes(external link) to nominate someone or apply.

BY Education Gazette editors
Education Gazette | Tukutuku Kōrero, reporter@edgazette.govt.nz

Posted: 7:09 pm, 13 July 2015

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