About the Excellence in Teaching Awards
The awards began in 2009 with two awards named after eminent Queensland educators: Alan Druery OAM, and Dr Roger Hunter. This year, an extra award has been added to recognise teachers with an outstanding history of service: The Professor Betty H Watts OBE Memorial Award for an Outstanding Contribution to Teaching.
The Professor Betty H Watts OBE Memorial Award for an Outstanding Contribution to Teaching
Professor Betty Watts
The Professor Betty H Watts OBE Memorial Award for an Outstanding Contribution to Teaching honours the memory of Emeritus Professor Betty Watts and provides recognition for teachers who have enriched the teaching profession. A former primary school teacher, Professor Watts was twice Chair of the Board of Teacher Education, a predecessor to the QCT. Her eminent career included many years as a researcher and teacher at the University of Queensland, with a particular focus on Aboriginal education and special education. Betty Hazel Watts (1928 - 2003) had a great influence on the development of the teaching profession in Queensland and she was awarded the Order of the British Empire – Officer (Civil) in 1976 for her service to education.
The Professor Betty H Watts OBE Memorial Award for an Outstanding Contribution to Teaching, for teachers with more than 15 years’ service in a Queensland school and a proven record of inspiring children to learn. A nomination requires two nominators including at least one who is a registered teacher or education colleague. A person may be nominated for service as a classroom teacher or in other school or leadership positions. Nominees must be registered Queensland teachers but need not be currently employed in a school. Self–nominations will not be accepted.
The award is sponsored by The Courier Mail.
The Alan Druery OAM Excellence in Teaching Award
Mr Alan Druery
The Alan Druery OAM Excellence in Teaching Award for inspirational Queensland teachers.
Nominees in both categories are judged by a panel of education professionals against three criteria:
- Demonstrated excellence in a teacher’s specialist field;
- Significant contribution to the teaching profession; and
- Being an inspirational role model for other teachers.
The panel will consider teaching achievements, innovation, creativity and professional relationships achieved within the school community. Nominees have to be registered Queensland teachers and employed in teaching duties in a state or nonstate school.
Dr Roger Hunter Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award
Dr Roger Hunter
The Dr Roger Hunter Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award for teachers with up to four years’ experience.
Nominees in both categories are judged by a panel of education professionals against three criteria:
- Demonstrated excellence in a teacher’s specialist field;
- Significant contribution to the teaching profession; and
- Being an inspirational role model for other teachers.
The panel will consider teaching achievements, innovation, creativity and professional relationships achieved within the school community. Nominees have to be registered Queensland teachers and employed in teaching duties in a state or nonstate school.
The 15 inaugural finalists were honoured at a reception for teachers at Government House hosted by His Excellency, the Honourable Chief Justice Paul de Jersey AC, Deputy Governor of Queensland. The winners received $5000 and finalists were given $500 towards professional development.
