Teacher award for special educators under consideration

PANAJI: The Goa government is considering introducing a separate state best teachers’ award for educators teaching in schools for special children. As teachers’ day on September 5 is approaching, the state this year has asked special educators too, to apply for the awards.
Every year at the state organised teachers’ day event, Goa government honours selected teachers for the award, each of which carries a cash purse of Rs one lakh and a citation.While one primary school teacher is chosen from each district for the award, two secondary school teachers are selected each from North Goa and South Goa.
One high school headmaster from each district is presented the award and one award is given for the best teacher at the higher secondary school level for the entire state. Similarly, one principal is chosen at the higher secondary level for the state.
In recent years, the awards were also extended by introducing a category for college teachers. And the state government is now looking at opening the new category for teachers of special schools.
A circular was issued by the state which extended the deadline to apply for the awards for special educators.
Teachers nominate themselves for the award to the head of his or her school, as per the proceedure. The school managing committee then recommends the name of the teachers through the zonal office of the directorate of education, from which the state makes the selections for the awards.
Any in-service teacher who has completed 20 years of regular teaching service is eligible to apply for the award.