More than politicians, armies, or businessmen, teachers are the single most powerful force shaping our nation. They hold key roles not just in our schools, but in our society, as they nurture the Jordan of tomorrow. And it is because they leave such an indelible print on all of us, that we are putting teachers at the heart of our holistic education reform.

The Teachers’ Award is one part of this movement to raise the standards, morale, and pride of our teachers. From the Queen Rania Teachers Academy to the Jordan Education Initiative, Jordan is refining and remodeling what it means to be a teacher. With the Teachers’ Award, we can celebrate and appreciate the best of our educators, encouraging excellence and innovation across classrooms while bolstering the prestige of the profession.

The effects of the Award have been immediately visible. Since 2005, it has created an atmosphere of excitement and friendly competition among teachers, with applications surging over the last few years. It has also deepened our respect for teachers; students are always proud when one of their teachers claims a prize!

And later in 2009, the Award expanded to Principals as well, so that inspirational and effective leadership is rewarded and replicated throughout our country.

We need more students to be proud of and inspired by their teachers and principals.

That is why this Award is so close to my heart. Those that do excel stand as examples to recruits, as leaders to their colleagues, and as role models to our children. The more we can spread word of their achievements, the more we can stimulate energy and passion in Jordan’s teachers to teach, and in students to learn.

The result will be a more creative and productive society, with a dedication to life-long learning, as well as a strong sense of community. That is why the Teachers’ Award has been embraced by the wider public. From the Ministry of Education, through to academia, civil society, and the private sector, Jordanians are providing financial, technical, and moral support to this initiative.

And, together, we are shaping a smarter, more innovative, and more competitive Jordan; one founded on the bedrock of society: teachers.

http://www.queenraniaaward.org