Jointly presented by The Straits Times and the Speak Good English Movement and supported by the Ministry of Education, the Inspiring Teacher of English Award honours English teachers who have inspired a love for the English Language in their students and fellow teachers/colleagues. This year, a total of 88 teachers were nominated for the award by their students, parents and fellow teachers.
The Inspiring Teacher of English Award ceremony was held at The Pod in the National Library Building on 11 October 2011. Mr Lawrence Wong, Minster of State, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Defence, graced the ceremony as Guest-of-Honour.
Mr Goh Eck Kheng, Chairman of the Speak Good English Movement, delivered the welcome address. Highlighting the theme for this year’s Speak Good English Movement — “How you speak makes a difference” – he added that teachers are role models for their students, and the Inspiring Teacher of English Award recognises the influence of teachers in creating and maintaining an environment where good English is used in classrooms and schools.
Our Guest of Honour, MOS Lawrence Wong, added on to say in his speech that whatever the situation, audience or purpose, we must be able to communicate effectively. “Effective communication is about more than just our ability to speak the language.” In this sense, our teachers play a vital role, as standard-bearers of the language.
Karen Tan, a former thespian turned foreign diplomat, entertained the audience with hilarious anecdotes, earning raucous laughter from the all who attended.
The 8 recipients of the Inspiring Teacher of English Award 2011 were then presented with a trophy each and a personal cash award. Their schools’ principals were also present to share this significant moment with them, accepting a plaque on behalf of their schools.
These 8 winning inspiring teachers went through 2 rounds of selections and an interview before being chosen as the award winners. The panel of judges included English Language Master Teachers from the Ministry of Education, and representatives from The Straits Times, British Council and the Speak Good English Movement.
The English Language Master Teachers from MOE and representatives from British Council received tokens of appreciation at the Inspiring Teacher of English Award ceremony for their tremendous support and great help in the selection of this year’s most inspiring English teachers.
