About the Award

This Award recognises preschool Mother Tongue Language teachers for their passion in making learning of the language interesting and their unique ability to inspire the love for the Mother Tongue Language in preschoolers.

Eligibility

1. Nominees must be either Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents.
2. Nominees must be in-service Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA)-certified teachers or possess a Level 2 Letter of Notification (LON) and Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education-Teaching (DECCE-T) or equivalent early childhood qualifications.
3. Nominees must be teaching in ECDA-registered kindergartens, ECDA-licensed childcare centres or MOE Kindergartens.
4. Nominees must have at least 3 years of teaching experience teaching Mother Tongue Language in ECDA-registered kindergartens, ECDA-licensed childcare centres or MOE Kindergartens.
5. Past winners who have not received the award in the past 3 years (2022-2024) may be nominated for the award again.

Instructions for Nomination

1. Each kindergarten or childcare centre can nominate only 1 teacher for each MTL.
2. Only nominations endorsed by the Centre Head/Principal/Supervisor will be accepted.
3. Ensure that the nomination text illustrates the outstanding achievements of the nominee and provide clear evidence to support the nomination.
4. The following digitalised documents are to be submitted with each nomination:
   1. A completed online nomination form
   2. Annex A: Lesson plan using the template provided Download Annex A
   3. Annex B: A write-up by Centre Head/Principal/Supervisor Download Annex B
   4. Annex C: A write-up by nominee/teacher (in MTL) Download Annex C
   5. An unedited video clip (duration of not more than 20 min) showcasing the highlights of the submitted lesson plan enacted in 2026.
5. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted.
6. Shortlisted nominees will be notified by mid-April 2026 to attend an interview and undergo a lesson observation at their current workplace.
7. Name of the nominee in all forms should be the same as their passport/NRIC when submitting. Please ensure accuracy of name as it will be used for certificate and other award matters.

Closing Date: Nomination must reach the organiser by 28 February 2026.

Timeline

*Shortlisted nominees are required to be available for the lesson observation.

Award

Each award-winning teacher will receive a cash reward for professional development, a plaque and a certificate.

The decision of the selection panel is final.

For further information, please contact the following officers