Beyond the Classroom Australia’s Peta Jeppesen created the Classroom Heroes award in 2020 with the mission to bring more recognition to, and celebrate, educators.
She found that research suggested that people who feel valued are more likely to report better physical and mental health, as well as higher levels of engagement, satisfaction, and motivation, compared to those who don’t. It’s no secret that the education profession holds one of the highest rates of workplace burnout.
The Classroom Heroes Campaign was designed to bring more value to educators across Australia while boosting overall wellbeing in the industry. The bonus is that they feel a sense of recognition and celebration within their school community.
Each educator is nominated by another member of their school community, which is revealed to them when they receive news of their award. The three winners of the annual award are selected in a creative way, with skydiving and tea parties drawing in years past hosted live with Peta.
Winners are given beautiful gifts on World Teachers Day, typically including gift baskets of chocolate, wine, gift cards, and more. They also receive a free photoshoot and blog feature on the Beyond the Classroom Australia website. This year’s gift will include contributions by sponsors from across the country.
Classroom Heroes from years past have reported feeling a deeper sense of purpose in their community, joy from the gifts, and improved confidence from the photoshoot.
Do you know an inspiring educator who could be a Classroom Hero?
There are no specific criteria to nominate an educator. Simply share with Beyond the Classroom Australia how and why they inspire you. The best part? You can submit more than one educator for the award.
Nominate an inspiring educator here before midnight on 1 October, 2024.
Winners will be drawn on 14 October 2024, and gifts will be delivered on World Teachers Day, 25 October, 2024.