Top tips for writing a winning English Teacher Awards 2024 nomination

Thomas Gardner
A woman/teacher teaching her students in the classroom.
Reading time: 3 minutes

We are celebrating teaching excellence around the world through the ÃÛÌÒapp English Teacher Awards 2024.Ìý

Open to all types of English language educator, the 15 lucky global winners will take home thousands of pounds of prizes, from trips to conferences to the latest language learning software for their school.Ìý

Nominating an educator for the ÃÛÌÒapp English Teacher Awards is simple. All applications are made via the awards entry page, and you have 600-1000 words to tell us how your nominee builds learners’ confidence to be themselves in English.Ìý

Here are our top tips to make the most of every word and ensure your entry is top of the class.Ìý

Application tips

1. Make it category specificÌý

One of the core judging criteria is how well an application matches the category description.Ìý

Educators can be nominated in one of five different categories:Ìý

  1. Teaching Young Minds English
  2. Empowering Teen Confidence in English
  3. Cultivating Lifelong Learners in EnglishÌý
  4. Innovation in English Language TeachingÌý
  5. Rising Stars of English Language TeachingÌý

Tailoring your answer to the category description will make sure our judges understand exactly why your nominee is the perfect winner.Ìý

For a detailed description of each of the categories, take a look at our recent blog post.

2. Focus on confidence

Learning a language isn’t just about knowing the vocabulary or understanding the grammar; it’s about having the confidence to go out there and use your newfound skills to unlock a world of opportunities.Ìý

But feeling confident in something you’re still learning is hard. Anyone that’s learnt a language has experienced those dips in motivation and confidence when you come across a topic that doesn’t come naturally to you.Ìý

That’s where a great teacher can make all the difference. The right support and encouragement combined with innovative teaching techniques can help learners protect and even build their confidence in challenging moments.Ìý

That confidence is what transforms language learning from just communicating to feeling able to really be yourself in English. And when you’re able to do that, great opportunities come your way.Ìý

Our judges are looking for nominations that understand the connection between confidence and self-expression and the impact that can have on learners’ lives.Ìý

3. Demonstrate your impact

Including relevant data and examples in your application will help judges understand the impact your nominee has had.Ìý

This might include data such as internal or external test results, as well as how those results have changed during that teacher’s tenure.Ìý

Evidence doesn’t have to mean numbers. Judges also welcome anecdotes and examples that describe the impact an educator has had on learners’ confidence.Ìý

The judging process

Nominations can be submitted between 15th August and midnight (CST) on 1st November 2024.Ìý

After that date, all entries will be reviewed and a shortlist submitted to our expert judges.Ìý

There are two to three judges for each category who will independently review and shortlist nominees before collectively awarding a Gold, Silver, and Bronze winner in their category.Ìý

Shortlisted entries will be contacted by our team and announced at the ÃÛÌÒapp Teacher Awards ceremony on November 21st 2024.Ìý

Meet the judges

From Argentina to Algeria, Italy to Germany, ÃÛÌÒapp English Teacher Award 2024 judges come from all over the world.Ìý

Many have years of ELT teaching experience, as well as expertise from academia and business.Ìý

Here are just three of our expert judges:Ìý

  • Belgin Elmas: Head of the English Language Teaching Department at TED University in Ankara, Belgin is a professor with more than 34 years of teaching experience.Ìý
  • Dr Silvia Minardi: President of Lingua e Nuova Didattica and Vice President of Aermigo. Dr Minardi has extensive experience in CLIL training, collaborating with the ECML and the Council of Europe.
  • Dr Renata Condi: An experienced teacher, development professional, and course book author, Dr Condi holds a PhD and MA in Applied Linguistics and an MBA in School Management.Ìý

The prizes

With a Gold, Silver, and Bronze winner in each of the five categories, there are 15 chances for educators and their schools to win.Ìý

Gold winners will receive a trip to a regional professional conference, including flight and hotel, as well as up to £500 in credit for professional development.Ìý

Their school will win annual licenses to top language learning app, Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp as well as a course, assessment, and certification bundle valued at £1000Ìý

Silver and Bronze winners will take home top prizes too, with £250 in credit towards their professional development and up to 500 Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp licenses for their school to continue their good work building learners’ confidence in English.Ìý

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    Discussion points for English language learners on United Nations topics

    By Sam Colley
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    Navigating global issues: United Nations topics to spark discussion for English language learners

    The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights. For English language learners, discussing the key issues addressed by the UN can be an enriching exercise that enhances both language skills and global awareness. For United Nations day on 24th October why not use some of the discussion points in this blog to spark meaningful conversations and deepen understanding of these critical topics.

    Climate change and environmental sustainability

    Climate change affects every corner of the planet. The UN has been actively working to mitigate its effects and promote sustainability. Here are some prompts to spark a conversation on this urgent issue:

    Key points to discuss:

    The impact of climate change: How does climate change affect different parts of the world? Discuss rising sea levels, extreme weather events and their consequences.
    Sustainable practices: What are some sustainable practices individuals and communities can adopt to combat climate change? Consider renewable energy, recycling and conservation efforts.
    Global cooperation: How important is international cooperation in addressing climate change? Look at agreements like the Paris Accord and the role of the UN in facilitating these agreements.

    Discussion questions:

    • How has climate change affected your country or region?
    • What can individuals do to reduce their carbon footprint?
    • Why is it important for countries to work together to tackle environmental issues?

    Ìý

    Global health and well-being

    Global health and well-being are vital for sustainable development and international cooperation, underpinning the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Here are some ideas to start conversations around this topic:

    Key points to discuss:

    Health crises: Discuss major health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in managing these crises.
    Access to healthcare: What are the challenges to accessing healthcare in different parts of the world? Explore issues like healthcare infrastructure, affordability and availability.
    Mental health: Why is mental health an important aspect of overall well-being? Discuss stigma, access to mental health services and the impact of mental health on communities.

    Discussion questions:

    • How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we think about global health?
    • What are the biggest healthcare challenges in your country?
    • How can we improve mental health awareness and support?

    Ìý