Over 1 300 teachers commended at Teachers’ Day Ceremony (with photos)

The following is issued on behalf of the Committee on Respect Our Teachers Campaign:
 
     The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (September 11) officiated at the "Salute to Teachers 2018 – Teachers' Day and Commendation Certificate Presentation Ceremony" organised by the Committee on Respect Our Teachers Campaign (CROTC), and paid tribute to more than 1 300 teachers for their dedication to the teaching profession this year.

     Speaking at the ceremony, the CROTC Chairman, Professor Tam Man-kwan, said the dedicated teachers teach by example with the aim of educating students to achieve a bright future conducive to the sustainable development of society. He added that teachers should foster students with the ability to think critically and tell right from wrong, so as to build up positive values with a strong sense of commitment to the country and society.

     The Chairperson of Committee on Professional Development of Teachers and Principals (COTAP), Dr Carrie Willis, expressed her highest respect to teachers and principals at the Teachers' Day Ceremony, and took this opportunity to officially launch the T-standard+, which aims to present the professional image of the teaching profession by portraying the professional roles of teachers in Hong Kong. Dr Willis encouraged teachers to use the T-standard+ as a tool to reflect on their own professional growth, pursue continuing professional development and sustain their efforts to enhance student learning and growth.

     T-standard+, as one of the areas of focus under the overarching project "T-excel@hk" launched by COTAP,  comprises "Professional Standards for Teachers of Hong Kong" and "Professional Standards for Principals of Hong Kong". The development of the two sets of standards involved in-depth research and discussion by different stakeholders in the education sector, extensive consultation and feedback collection. T-standard+ portrays the vision and mission of teachers and principals at different stages of professional growth in Hong Kong, and provides a useful reference and anchor for initial teacher education, continuing professional development and school leadership development.

     Under the Teachers' Commendation Scheme organised by CROTC to foster a culture of respect for teachers, secondary schools, primary schools, kindergartens and special schools may each nominate two teachers who have shown commitment and excellence in teaching. The Scheme is in its 23rd year, with over 28 000 teachers commended to date.

     Other officiating guests at the ceremony included the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin; and the Chairperson of the Curriculum Development Council, Professor Tam Kar-yan.