The Marj Colvill

Early Years Science Educator of the Year Excellence Award 2023

Applications are now open for the 2023 Early Years Science Educator Excellence Award, celebrating a Tasmanian Early Years educator who has excelled in engaging young minds in the field of science.

The award is supported by the Science Teachers Association of Tasmania and Early Childhood Educators of Tasmania – South.

Applications close 11:59 pm Monday 13th March 2023, with the winner/s to be announced at the 2023 Tasmanian Science Teachers conference, ConSTAT 2023: Energising Science on the 25th March in Hobart.

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The Award:

The Tasmanian Science Teachers & ECET Award for Early Years (the Award) recognises the achievements of the state’s leading science focussed early years class educator or Children’s Services educator for engaging early years learners in Science.

Supported by the Science Teachers Association of Tasmania (STAT) and Early Childhood Educators of Tasmania – South ( ECET South),  the Award provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of the early years in the provision of exemplary science education for establishing the foundation for Tasmanian learners growth in curiosity, wonder, problem solving and agency.

The Award consists of a $800 payment and a year’s membership of both STAT and ECET (region relevant to the winner) which will be presented at the 2023 Tasmanian Science Teachers conference, ConSTAT 2023: Energising Science on the 25th March in Hobart.  

Eligibility

Applications are invited from individuals engaging early years learners (Birth – 8 years) in innovative and experiential learning programs and who are currently employed as teachers in Tasmanian Government or non-government schools, Child and Family Learning Centres or Child Care/Children’s Services centres. The Teaching/learning being recognised is Science/ Inquiry.  Applicants must be registered with the Teachers Registration Board Tasmania.

Judging

The judging panel members will be selected on the basis of their knowledge and expertise in Early Years Science education.

Selection Criteria

The Award will be presented to an Early Years educator who has shown innovation and consistency of best practice in science education in or out of the classroom over the 2022 calendar year. In making their selection, the judging panel will consider the merit of innovation as well as achievements in engaging learners in Science, as highlighted in the questions asked in the application form below.

Other Conditions

As a successful recipient of the Award, you may be requested to serve on the judging panel for the award category in the year following your attainment of the award. You may also be asked by STAT or ECET-South to take part in a limited number of Science/Early Years events, i.e.  write an article for their social media and websites.

Who can nominate?

• A teacher/educator can self – nominate and provide at least 2 referee contacts. 
• OR a teacher/educator can be nominated by a leader in their institution with at least 2 referee contacts.
• OR a parent can nominate a teacher/educator. There needs to be 2 referee reports to support the application and an email indicating the nominee’s acceptance of the nomination.
• The applicant must be able to demonstrate a commitment over time to science education e.g.  2022.

How to apply:

Applications in 2023 are required to be completed online in the form found below. Please note file uploads are limited to 50 MB each. Please email larger files to info@stat.org.au. 

Enquiries: info@stat.org.au

Applications are now CLOSED.

Winner/s will be announced at the 2023 Tasmanian Science Teachers conference, ConSTAT 2023: Energising Science on the 25th March in Hobart.