The Marj Colvill
Early Years Science Educator of the Year Excellence Award 2024
Applications are now open for the 2024 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 31st October 2024.
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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 in both STAT and ECET (region relevant to the winner).
Eligibility
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 year’s teacher who has shown innovation and consistency of best practice in science education in and outside the classroom over the last 12 months. In making their selections, the judging panels will consider the merit of innovation as well as achievements in engaging students in science, as highlighted in the questions asked in the application form.
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 1 referee contact.
- OR a teacher/educator can be nominated by a leader in their institution with at least 1 referee contact.
- OR a parent can nominate a teacher/educator. There needs to be 1 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. 2023 – 2024.
How to apply:
Applications in 2024 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.
Evidence to be provided by the applicant:
1. one detailed learning sequence, giving evidence of innovative and creative approaches/provocations you have used to inspire learners to extend their understanding of science. Include details about the number of learners/classes involved and learning outcomes that relate to the Early Years Learning Framework and/or Australian Curriculum.
AND OR a scope and sequence for the years learning in Science, to outline how you demonstrate consistency of best practice in science education.
2. Examples of student learning/work.
3. Ways that you try to stay up to date with trying to offer best practices in Science education.
4. One supporting letter of reference from a colleague, curriculum lead of parent
Enquiries: info@stat.org.au
Applications are open until 11:59 pm 31st October 2024.