Rotorua MP Todd McClay is encouraging local teaching professionals to apply for the Prime Minister's Education Excellence Awards, to recognise those who are going above and beyond when educating our kids.
"Our education professionals work hard every day for our children, and I believe we need to publicly recognise and encourage their contribution," Mr McClay said.
"The Prime Minister's Education Excellence Awards do just that. They celebrate the people in our communities delivering the best teaching to children and who raise the bar that bit higher.
"The awards cover early childhood education, primary, through to secondary schooling."
The four main categories are excellence in governing, excellence in leading, excellence in teaching and learning, and excellence in engaging.
The category winners will receive $20,000, and the supreme winner will receive an additional $30,000.
"I want to encourage people to apply for these awards. We have so many talented people in Rotorua and I have seen them at work during visits to our local schools and early childhood centres.
"High-quality education provides the opportunity for any child from any background to get ahead and make the most of their life, and the teachers who contribute to this should be celebrated," Mr McClay said.
Entry forms are available at www.pmawards.education.govt.nz. Entries close March 20.
