I encourage all residents in the electorate of Bateman to nominate a top public school teacher for a prestigious WA Education Award.

The annual awards seek to acknowledge inspiring teachers, principals, support staff and schools in a range of categories.

"These awards seek to recognise excellence in education and the tireless efforts, passion and talent of our local teachers," Mr Porter said.

The Awards and prizes for 2010 are;

• Premier's Teacher of the Year (sponsored by GESB) - $25,000 (50 per cent for professional learning)
• WA Principal of the Year (sponsored by BHP Billiton Ore) - $25,000 (50 per cent for professional learning)
• WA Beginning Teacher of the Year (sponsored by Teachers Health Fund) - six individual prizes of $3000 (100 per cent for professional learning)
• WA School Support Staff Member of the Year (sponsored by Delron Cleaning) - $25,000 (50 per cent for professional learning)
• WA Literacy School of the Year (sponsored by Edith Cowan University) - $15,000
• WA Numeracy School of the Year (sponsored by Teachers Credit Union) - $15,000
• WA Science School of the Year (sponsored by ExxonMobil) - $15,000
• WA Innovative School of the Year (sponsored by Department of Education) - $15,000

Nomination kits are available from my office and are available online at www.det.wa.edu.au/educationawards

Nominations close 30 July 2010 and there are four Apple iPads to be won for those people that take the time and effort to nominate a deserving teacher.

27th May 2010