Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — With an aim to celebrate the unique contribution of some of the finest teachers and school leaders in the country, Pearson Middle East, on Monday called upon all school educators in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to nominate inspirational teachers, outstanding teaching teams, or school leaders for the inaugural 2019 Pearson Teacher Awards. The prestigious awards are launching in KSA for the first time to reward educators who through their commitment and dedication, have not only improved the quality of school education but also enriched the lives of their students and deserve international recognition for their achievements.

This year, the awards will celebrate and reward excellence in teaching practices and school leadership in KSA for English, Mathematics, Science, Arabic and Leadership. It also supports the Vision 2030’s goal of investing in education and training so that the nation’s children may enjoy high-quality and multi-faceted schooling.

Speaking on the occasion, Özhan Toktaş, managing director at Pearson Middle East, commented, “We are very excited to announce the launch of the first-ever Pearson Teacher Awards in KSA. The role of a teacher in society is both significant as well as valuable, and to say that teachers can change lives is not an exaggeration. We are, therefore, very happy to be able to recognize exceptional teachers who have made an outstanding contribution to this noble profession.”

The winning criteria follow the Pearson Teacher Competency Framework. The winners will receive a trophy, certificate, access to Pearson Online Professional Development, and a voucher worth SR2,000. Winners will also be featured in the wider Pearson Middle East campaign with their stories getting shared across regions.

Amanullah Mohamed Haniffa, GCSE and A-Level coordinator and academic and college counselor at Al-Rowad International School, Riyadh said, “I have been teaching Chemistry and Physics International GCSE and A-levels for the last 20 years, and I am the exam coordinator at my school. I am delighted and excited to hear the news that the Pearson Teacher awards will be open for myself and my colleagues to apply in Saudi Arabia. Rewarding teachers is a very important aspect of professional development, and I look forward to the opportunity to take part in this initiative."

In spite of the teaching profession being considered as one of the noblest professions, teachers across the world today feel undervalued, with the profession’s status dropping in many countries according to a recent study.

Educators can nominate a star teacher or leader by going to https://middleeast.pearson.com/K12/teachers-awards.html#nominate or by scanning the QR code given below, and complete the relevant online nomination form. Winners will receive their award and prizes at the Teacher Awards Ceremony, a formal gala dinner event, which will take place on Nov. 6 in Riyadh.