Teacher Awards 2023: FAQs

Teacher magazine has a proud history of highlighting the incredible work of teachers and school leaders in primary and secondary school settings who are working to lift student achievement and wellbeing.

We are excited to share that we are launching the Teacher Awards to recognise outstanding approaches to teaching and school leadership.

Teacher Editor Jo Earp says: ‘In my role, over the years I’ve been very lucky to speak with many amazing school leaders, teachers and support staff who are making a difference to the lives of their students. I know that there are thousands more out there who are doing outstanding work and can’t wait to celebrate their achievements through the Teacher Awards.’

All categories in the Teacher Awards 2023 are open to educators working in the K-12 school education community in Australia and recognise achievements of the last 12 months. Nominations for the awards will open from 9.00am (AEST) 9 June until 11.59pm (AEST) 16 July 2023. The Judging Panel is comprised of 10 experts in education.

In this article, learn more about who is eligible to be nominated, how the application process works, entry fees, and what happens once you’ve entered.

Eligibility

Who can enter?

Entries are open to educators working in the K-12 school education community in Australia. At this time, we are not able to accept entries for educators working outside Australia.

Can I nominate myself? Can I nominate a colleague? Can a group of people be nominated together?

Yes.

Can I nominate someone I don’t work with?

Nominating for a Teacher Award involves sharing information about teaching strategies and student outcomes. Therefore, if you would like to nominate someone you don’t work closely with, we recommend you encourage this person to complete the nomination process themselves. You are able to cover the entry fee if you wish.

What time frame is being considered? Can I nominate myself for an award based on work I have done at a former workplace?

Entries should be based on work that's been undertaken within the last 12 months. You can nominate yourself for an award based on work you’ve done at a former workplace, however we recommend you advise the relevant school leader at your former workplace before entering.

Are there any terms and conditions?

You can read the terms and conditions for entering Teacher Awards here and the Privacy Policy here.

Application process

How long does it take to enter? Do I need to complete the nomination process in one sitting?

There is a 1000-word limit on nominations and you also have the option to attach supporting documents. We recommend you have your information ready to go before you begin your nomination.

You will not be able to save the form and come back to it later. Once you submit your nomination, the information is final and cannot be edited.

Do I need to meet all the criteria outlined in the award description?

No. The award description is there to help guide your thinking and offer suggestions for practices that are relevant to the award.

Can I upload supporting documents?

Yes, however please ensure your supporting documents are no longer than 4 pages. Including supporting documents is optional.

Can I enter into multiple awards? Can I use the same entry to apply for multiple awards?

Yes. We recommend tailoring each entry to respond to the specific criteria for the award you are entering.

Entry fees

What is the entry fee? Why is there an entry fee?

The entry fee is $100 (+GST). Teacher is published by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), a not-for-profit organisation. We recognise that each entrant has dedicated time to complete the application process, and as such, we are committed to ensuring that time is taken to consider each entry. Your entry fee contribution helps make the Teacher Awards possible.

What payment methods are accepted?

All credit cards are accepted.

Will I be sent a receipt/tax invoice for my payment?

Yes. Once payment is made, you will receive a receipt and invoice number from the Australian Council for Educational Research Ltd. ACER ABN 19 004 398 145, Address 19 Prospect Hill Road, Camberwell, Victoria, 3124.

After entering

What is the judging process?

There are 2 stages to the judging process. In the first stage, our Selection Committee will consider all entries to create a shortlist. If your entry is shortlisted, it will be brought to our Judging Panel for the second and final round of judging. Winners will be decided from this final round of judging. You can read more about our judges here.

Will I receive feedback on my entry?

We won't be providing feedback. Only award winners will be contacted.

How will I find out if I am a winner?

Successful entrants will be contacted by email or phone on 29 August. Winners will be announced publicly on Friday 1 September.

What do winners receive?

Winners for each of our 8 awards will be celebrated on Teacher and will have the opportunity to be interviewed for an article. They will also receive a media pack to share the news with their own networks.

Nominations for the awards will open from 9.00am (AEST) 9 June until 11.59pm (AEST) 16 July 2023.