By Sue Fontannaz, CEO of Argo
How come every conversation about education starts with “the problem in education is….”? If we take a step back, then we can see education as an opportunity, to inspire our children to love learning, so that they can grow into what they were meant to be. If it’s all about leadership and inspiration, then why are we focusing all our energy on what content needs to be taught in the classroom, while we miss the essential element – the teacher, who determines whether children love learning or lose interest as more content is shoved down their throats?
How do we recognise great teachers who inspire others?
We all remember a teacher, who made a difference in our lives, who inspired and shaped our future – but very often we don’t have the confidence to thank the teacher, before we leave school. So, now you have the chance to make an impact. Nominate a great teacher, or ask your children which teacher they love and help them to nominate this teacher, so that we don’t lose these great teachers. The Stars in Education Teachers Awards is designed to recognise those teachers, who are great role models in the classroom and their communities and who inspire others with their actions. They understand that:
“Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire.” —William Butler Yeats
The fire is starting on social media
The Stars in Education Teachers Awards has just been launched on a range of social and digital media platforms so, join us in encouraging teachers to believe in their value, and entering great teachers. October is the month for celebrating teachers, so it’s now that we can say thanks to that special teacher that made a difference in our lives, by honouring teachers out there, who share their light with others, who go beyond filling buckets, to inspire learners to be more than they thought they could be. If you need any inspiration, watch some of the previous winners on youtube, as they share what the campaign has done for them, their learners and their communities.
It’s about working together to improve education
The Stars in Education Teachers Awards is supported by social leaders: Pearson, SACE, SADTU, Mindset TV and MetroFM, who understand that we need to work together to support the Government and social transformation. The impact of the campaign extends far beyond a competition. Leading NGO’s who do grass roots work with the campaign receive media support from Argo and leading brands make social investment decisions, based on their exposure to the winning teachers. Pitso Kekana, the head of Corporate Citizenship for Samsung South Africa explains that:
“Had it not been for Argo and the Stars in Education Teacher Awards, Samsung would not have found the School located 80 kilometres from Polokwane’s city centre where the 2013 Stars in Education Teachers Awards winner, Dungile Maponyane teaches. Samsung has donated a Smart Classroom, equipped with 40 tablets, a printer, eBoard and more to Bathokwa Secondary. The handover of the Smart Classroom takes place during October, to celebrate teachers”.
“Winning the 2013 Stars in Education Awards is one of the greatest opportunities I ever had in my life. It has opened doors of success and recognition for the DTMSC project. Educators it takes effort and passion to do extra work to help the community in either way, do it, face the challenges and never quit” says Dungile Maponyane.
Watch a video on Dungile Maponyane’s project
ENTER on www.Teacher.org.za or follow us on Twitter: @StarsInEdu