The DBE acknowledges and celebrates excellence in the teaching profession through the Teacher Appreciation and Support Programme (TASP) annually. The National Teaching Awards (NTAs) is a comprehensive process that commences in the provinces with the nomination, identification and sifting through of expertise and excellence in the teaching profession, and includes teachers from a range of South African schools. The NTA is also one of the ways in which the DBE acknowledges extraordinary efforts made by teachers, often in very difficult conditions.
After provincial processes that culminate with award ceremonies, the provincial winners proceed to national eliminations through an adjudication process overseen by various stakeholders. This adjudication process took place at the Kopanong Hotel and Conference Centre in Benoni, Gauteng Province, from 11 to 18 November 2018. A total of 90 winning finalists from 10 categories across all nine provinces made presentations for the 19th annual NTAs.
Each category is divided into general and specific criteria. The general category tests teachers’ knowledge of education policies and how these are applied on a daily basis. Issues of addressing social ills such as crime, bullying, gangsterism and substance abuse are part of this general criteria. The candidates’ contribution to extra-curricular activities in the school community for the holistic development of learners is also placed under the spotlight.
The specific criteria sheds light on areas or subjects under consideration during the adjudication process, for example, excellence in Mathematics teaching would reflect how a teacher enhances excellence in conceptual understanding, injects fun into Mathematics learning and integrates resources to reach the desired goals. Presentations showed innovation, creativity, excellence and the extent to which teachers go over and above the normal expectations of classroom practice, indicating that South Africa has excellent teachers.
The 19th annual NTA ceremony, hosted by Basic Education Minister, Mrs Angie Motshekga, is scheduled to take place on 16 February 2019 at the Sandton Convention Centre in the Gauteng Province. This event promises to be a celebration of note to honour our national winners.
https://www.education.gov.za/Informationfor/Teachers/NationalTeachingAwards.aspx