The Department of Basic Education wishes to salute all schools and teachers who have entered the National Teaching Awards (NTA). The NTA Scheme was conceptualised and launched in 2000 and now enters its 26th year of implementation. Through extensive consultation, the scheme has been refined, sharpened, as well as broadened in terms of its frame and categories. 

The National Teaching Awards (NTA) scheme is a vital initiative by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of teachers, often in challenging conditions. These educators offer better futures for learners, as quality education is crucial in addressing social, political, and economic challenges, including poverty, prejudice, and conflict.

Acknowledging and celebrating teachers is essential, as they play a pivotal role in overcoming these issues and enriching education. The concept of recognizing teachers has gained worldwide prominence, encouraging South African educators to participate and shine on the global stage.

Some awards available to teachers include:
• The African Union Continental Teachers’ Award
• The Global Teacher Prize
• The Commonwealth Education Award
 

By participating in these awards, teachers not only gain recognition but also contribute to the advancement of the
education sector in South Africa.

 

 

 

• Focus public attention on the positive aspects of Basic Education, thereby raising the public image of the teaching profession.
• Recognize and promote excellence in teaching performance.
• Honour dedicated, creative and effective teachers and schools.
• Encourage best practice in schools.
• Improve the well-being of learners, highlight the initiatives that remove barriers and build resilience especially for the disadvantaged groups (Commonwealth Education Awards).
• Create an environment that will encourage and sustain investments in education and learning (Commonwealth Education Awards).
• Work towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4) (Commonwealth Education Awards).
• Provide the South African teachers with an opportunity to compete with the best teachers in Africa and globally through the African Union Teacher Prize, the Commonwealth Education Awards, and the Global Teacher Prize (GTP).
• Afford South Africans, the opportunity to publicly appreciate all outstanding teams or individual teachers in schools.

There are fifteen categories for this edition, in each category, teachers are expected to define, elaborate, and speak to the effects/impact and provide evidence of any action mentioned in the categories as listed below:

• Excellence in Grade-R Teaching
• Excellence in Teaching Life Skills (Grade 1-6)
• Excellence in Primary School Teaching
• Excellence in Primary School Leadership
• Excellence in Secondary School Teaching
• Excellence in Secondary School Leadership
• Excellence in Inclusive Education Teaching
• Excellence in Inclusive Education Leadership
• Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (GET)
• Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (FET)
• Excellence in Teaching Natural Sciences
• Excellence in Teaching Physical Sciences
• Excellence in Technology – Enhanced Teaching and Learning
• Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award
• National Best Teacher Award