The Annual National Teaching Awards (NTAs) were conceptualised and launched in 2000 by the late Professor Kader Asmal. Since its conception, the NTAs have become a popular way of recognising and awarding teachers who make a difference in learning in teaching. The NTA adjudication process took place at the OR Tambo Protea Hotel in the Gauteng Province from 29 November to 03 December 2017, with more than 90 candidates participating in the Annual Provincial Teaching Awards. The NTAs are used to encourage teachers to put an emphasis on the critical learning areas that still require improvement.
During the year, the best candidates are recognised for teaching excellence in various categories within the nine provinces, before the adjudication process culminates at national level when a panel of adjudicators is mandated to identify the top three winning candidates in each category.
The Director for the DBE’s Continuing Professional Development Directorate, Mr Philip Dikgomo, indicated: “The competition is very tight. I must honestly say that provinces continue to submit stronger candidates every year. During the adjudication, each candidate is given 35 minutes to present his/her case following a set of criteria.
Mr Elias Thibinyane from the Atlehang Secondary School in the Free State Province, said that, “the adjudication process was fair and well represented since various education stakeholders were involved, including education experts from the DBE, the South African Council for Educators (SACE), Teacher Unions and higher education representatives”. “The NTA is one of the ways in which the DBE publicly acknowledges and encourages dedicated and caring teachers in their efforts to develop learners into future leaders,” said Deputy Chief Education Specialist (DCES), Ms Gloria Disemelo.
The pioneer of the NTAs also has a category in his name, the Professor Kader Asmal Excellence Award. This award honours a person who made contributions at political and community levels. People who win this prestigious award are those who take a stand on social justice issues, such as racism, poverty, gender and disability. In addition to the Professor Kader Asmal Excellence Award, the NTAs also play a significant role in recognising and promoting excellence in various areas of teaching specialisation, through the following categories:
- Excellence in Primary School Teaching;
- Excellence in Secondary School Teaching;
- Excellence in Primary School Leadership;
- Excellence in Secondary School Leadership;
- Excellence in Grade R Teaching;
- Excellence in Special Needs and Inclusive Teaching;
- Excellence in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning;
- Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (GET);
- Excellence in Teaching Natural Science (GET);
- Lifetime Achievement Award
The national ceremony of the 18th Annual NTAs will be taking place on 17 February 2018, in the Gauteng Province where winners of the various categories will be announced.