Nominations sought for 2022 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards

Who are the best teachers in Bundaberg, Gympie and Fraser Coast? Nominate them here so we can recognise and thank them, but click into the story and put them in the running to win part of $640,000 in prize money across Australia.

As school returns across Queensland this week, the Commonwealth Bank and Schools Plus have called for students, parents, and communities to nominate teachers or school leaders who have been an inspiration through challenging times, as part of the 2022 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards.

Acknowledging the continuous Covid-19 related disruption to education, this year’s Awards will showcase teachers and educators who have made a transformative impact in their students’ lives and demonstrated resilience to unique teaching challenges.

Now in its sixth consecutive year, the Awards will recognise more teachers than ever before, with a new category for Early Career Teachers added to the existing 12 Teaching Awards for outstanding established educators.

Twelve educators will win a prestigious Teaching Award valued at $45,000 that goes towards professional development and a strategic school project, and the privilege to join a unique group of education change-makers.

In addition, up to 10 Early Career Teachers will receive a prize valued at $10,000 for professional development and a unique mentoring program. The new Early Career category aims to encourage and support teachers in the first five years of their profession who have the commitment, potential and passion to forge a successful teaching career.

As school returns across Queensland this week, the Commonwealth Bank and Schools Plus have called for students, parents, and communities to nominate teachers or school leaders who have been an inspiration through challenging times, as part of the 2022 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards. See link below to nominate.

Nathan Barker, Head of Community Investment at Commonwealth Bank, says this year’s Awards will help to acknowledge a new cohort of ‘pandemic heroes’.

“The last couple of years have been challenging for many, but especially for Australia’s teachers who have emerged as real-life heroes on the frontline of this evolving pandemic. Ongoing school disruption and various lockdowns across the nation have highlighted the valuable role that teachers have in our society and this year’s Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards will celebrate these incredible educators.

“We’re committed to improving the lives of students and are proud to be working in partnership with Schools Plus to achieve this by elevating teachers to help children reach their full potential,” said Mr Barker.

Rosemary Conn, CEO of Australian Schools Plus, said: “Now more than ever, Australia’s inspirational and dedicated teachers deserve recognition. Amid life’s challenges and a period of education transformation, the sector has adapted to new ways of learning and teaching. It’s been inspiring to witness our nation’s educators display unwavering leadership, resilience, and commitment to their students and communities over the last couple of challenging years.”

Together, Commonwealth Bank and Schools Plus have maintained a shared vision that ensures their support for education goes to where it’s needed most to provide the greatest impact. Since the beginning of their partnership, 60 Teaching Awards winners have joined the Teaching Fellows group, which is industry-known for making a real difference to students and setting the standard for excellent education practice across the sector.

Applications and nominations for the Awards are open now and until March 27, 2022. Eligible teachers may either be nominated by someone or apply personally. For more information or to nominate an educator for the 2022 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards, CLICK HERE