Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I enter my school for more than one award category?
A: Yes, you can enter your school in any of the school award categories.Back to top
Q: Can I nominate myself?
A: No, there is no self-nomination for individual awards. The nomination must be completed by a person who knows the work of the individual.Back to top
Q: Can I nominate someone who is planning to retire before December 2010?
A: Yes, however, they will not be put forward for the selection of State finalists and winners. The winners undertake an ambassadorial role for the following year’s awards program.Back to top
Q: Can I submit a posthumous nomination?
A: No, posthumous nominations will not be accepted as individual award winners are expected to accept an ambassadorial role to promote the awards and their profession.Back to top
Q: Can previous nominees be nominated again?
A: Yes, previous nominees are eligible for nomination in the 2009 WA Education Awards, however previous winners are not.Back to top
Q: Do I need to answer all the selection criteria?
A: Yes, you must address each criterion relevant to the award category being entered and provide evidence to support claims against the criteria. Refer to the prompts under each criterion and use as a guide to the range of information that could be included.Back to top
Q: Do the WA Education Awards provide travel and accommodation to nominators who wish to attend the awards ceremony?
A: Only finalists are eligible for assistance with travel and accommodation.Back to top
Q: Do you accept faxed nominations?
A: If you are located in a regional area and don’t have access to the internet, you can fax your entry to 08 9264 4896.Back to top
Q: Does the nominee have to know they have been nominated?
A: Yes, your nomination must acknowledge that the nominee has agreed to their nomination.Back to top
Q: How do I submit my nomination?
A: This year you have the option to submit nominations online or by post.Back to top
Q: How long should the nomination be?
A: Nominations must be no longer than 10 pages.Back to top
Q: How many copies of the nomination do I need to submit?
A: If you are submitting your nomination by mail, you will need to submit three copies in total. If you are submitting your nomination online, you will only need to submit one copy.Back to top
Q: If I am mailing my nomination, how should I present it?
A: Hard copy nominations should be typed on plain A4 paper, minimum 11 point and stapled at the top left-hand corner. Do not ring bind, use plastic or cardboard covers.Back to top
Q: If I nominate someone do I automatically get invited to the awards ceremony?
A: If the individual you nominate is selected as a State finalist you will automatically be invited to the awards presentation event on 7 December 2009.Back to top
Q: Is the prize money for individuals subject to income tax?
A: Yes, the prize money for individuals is treated as taxable income. Winners are advised to seek professional financial advice regarding their prize money.Back to top
Q: What are the benefits of entering the awards?
A: Entering the awards brings many benefits including the opportunity to put your school in the spotlight for significant achievements. There are also professional learning opportunities for individual award category winners which benefit not only the individual but also the school and most importantly, the students.Back to top
Q: What can people be nominated for?
A: There are three categories for individual awards. These focus on individuals’ passion, dedication, excellence and exceptional contributions to public schooling.Back to top
Q: What information is required to support the nominee’s achievements?
A: The nomination must address each selection criterion relevant to the award category and include specific evidence of the nominee’s contribution to claims leading to outcomes of improved student learning, opportunities and/or well-being.

Evidence should include qualitative and quantitative information. For example:
• student performance data
• system, standardised state or school data
• information on student participation and engagement
• class results – mapping student progress
• enrolment or attendance statistics
• results in state, national and international competitions
• trends on the impact of a particular activity
• teacher anecdotal records
• survey responses – parent satisfaction
• outcomes from professional development
• innovative and creative practices
• results of involving families and the broader community
• performance against benchmarks or targets
• an explanation of before-and-after examples of students’ work
• media samples
• commendations from senior colleagues, feedback from parents, students, education associates, community, business and industry partners.

Evidence may be presented in graphic formats or as text within the required length of the nomination statement.
 

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Q: When do I need to get my entry in by?
A: Nominations must be received at the Department of Education, 151 Royal Street, East Perth by 5.00pm on Friday 14 August 2009.Back to top
Q: When will I be advised if my nomination has been successful?
A: All nominees will be notified as to whether or not they’ve been selected as a semi-finalist by 14 September 2009.Back to top
Q: Who can be a referee?
A: Each nomination must be supported by two referees who are familiar with the individual’s work. Referees can come from within or outside the school community. Referees for shortlisted nominees may be contacted.Back to top
Q: Who endorses the nomination?
A: Nominations for school categories and WA Principal of the Year must be endorsed by director schools and nominations for Premier’s Teacher of the Year and WA School Support Staff Member of the Year categories must be endorsed by school principals.Back to top
Q: Who judges the nominations?
A: The judging panels comprise key representatives from education associations, senior Department of Education and Training staff, Directors Schools, academics and sponsors.Back to top
Q: Who prepares the nomination?
A: Individuals can be nominated by others in the school community such as principals, teachers, support staff members, parents and students. It is expected that the nominee would assist with the nomination. Only one nominator is required and self-nomination is not accepted.

Schools can be nominated in the school category by the principal.

Assistance from colleagues, parents and students would be valuable to ensure the nomination demonstrates the nominee’s achievements and claims against the selection criteria are supported with examples and evidence. This includes completing the five steps:
- School context (half page)
- Summary of nomination (half page)
- Statement against criteria (five pages)
- Referee statements (two pages)
- Nomination form (two pages)
 

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