The fourth edition of the RISE Educator Award is back, upholding its commitment to recognize and commend educators across the nation who are dedicated to fostering quality and equitable education for students. Presented by Taylor’s College and its student engagement initiative, The Risers, the award celebrates the tireless efforts of educators in supporting student success. Josephine Tan, Campus Director of Taylor’s College, explains that the RISE acronym represents “Remarkable Impact in Student Education,” emphasizing the crucial role educators play in molding students’ lives and promoting inclusive education.
The RISE Educator Award celebrates exceptional educators who inspire others through their dedication within national, private, and international pre, primary, and secondary schools. Teachers are nominated by the public for their outstanding commitment to their school communities. From these nominations, 10 teachers are selected as finalists, and their profiles are shared on Taylor’s College social media platforms for public voting. The top five vote-getters advance to the finals, with public votes accounting for 25% of the final decision. A panel of judges, including Chan Soon Seng, leader of Teach For Malaysia, and Cikgu Kumaresan Muniandy, the 2023 RISE Educator of the Year, evaluates the impact and efforts of the finalists. Their assessment contributes 75% toward determining the recipient of the RISE Educator Award 2024.
Mr. Ashok Pillai Kuppusamy
There are three Indian teachers in the selected nominees for these awards. Among that the first Indian teacher in the nominees list is Mr. Ashok Pillai Kuppusamy from SJK (C) Jerik, Pahang. Mr. Ashok is a remarkable educator renowned for his unwavering support of financially disadvantaged students. Despite facing challenges such as irregular attendance among his students, he remains a beacon of motivation and assistance, empowering them to achieve academic excellence. Mr. Ashok goes above and beyond by offering free tuition and meals, organizing supplementary classes, and even covering transportation costs out of his own pocket. His dedication and selflessness have not only transformed the lives of his students but have also set a shining example of compassion and commitment in the field of education.
In addition to his academic mentorship, Mr. Ashok extended his guidance to his students’ co-curricular pursuits, offering coaching sessions even during school holidays. As a result, they attained notable triumphs in cross-country events at both district and state levels, clinching a gold medal victory at the prestigious Kids Athletics Diraja competition. Furthermore, under his mentorship, his students actively participated in the Pertandingan Innovasi, where they showcased innovative projects crafted from recycled materials. Mr. Ashok’s holistic approach to education not only fosters academic achievement but also nurtures a spirit of creativity, teamwork, and environmental consciousness among his students.
If you believe Mr Ashok deserves to win the RISE Educator Award 2024, click HERE and cast your vote by liking the post.
Mr. Shawn Stanly Anthony Dass
Next in the nominees list is, Mr. Shawn Stanly Anthony Dass, from Teach for Malaysia, now serving as a teacher at SK RPS Banun, Perak. It has been stated that, Mr. Shawn brings distant worlds to life for students at an all-Orang Asli school through innovative and immersive teaching methods. He introduced a mock election for class monitor, providing a practical lesson in the democratic process. Utilizing forest resources and a projector, he transformed his science classroom into a flight simulator, offering hands-on learning experiences. Additionally, Mr. Shawn’s creative use of classroom themes, such as a beach setting to explore marine conservation, further engages students in meaningful learning. These inventive approaches not only combat illiteracy but also foster a deep understanding and enthusiasm for education among his students.
Mr. Shawn’s commitment transcends the confines of the classroom as he took proactive steps to arrange a transformative experience for two of his students. By facilitating their participation in a leadership summit in Mumbai, he provided them with their inaugural opportunity to travel abroad. This initiative not only expanded their perspectives but also defied stereotypes and preconceptions regarding their abilities. Mr. Shawn’s actions exemplify his unwavering dedication to empowering his students and fostering their growth beyond the boundaries of their immediate environment.
If you believe Mr Shawn deserves to win the RISE Educator Award 2024, click HERE and cast your vote by liking the post.
Ms. Sumathy Appannah
Following suit, Ms. Sumathy Appannah has also emerged as a nominee for the prestigious RISE Educator Award 2024. Hailing from SK Seri Setia, Perak, Ms. Sumathy stands out for her remarkable initiative in spearheading the Road Safety project tailored for students with disabilities. With unwavering dedication, she invested her time and efforts into training these students in adhering to road crossing protocols and regulations. Through this commendable project, Ms. Sumathy not only enhanced the safety and well-being of her students but also instilled in them a sense of empowerment and aspiration for a brighter future.
The commendable achievements of this project garnered recognition from both the school administration and the District Education Office (PPD). As a result, it served as a catalyst for the adoption of comparable initiatives in neighboring schools, thereby extending its positive impact to a wider population of students with disabilities. Ms. Sumathy’s unwavering commitment to fostering a safer environment has not only left a lasting impression but has also ignited a ripple effect, inspiring countless others to actively contribute to the betterment of their communities.
If you believe Ms. Sumathy deserves to win the RISE Educator Award 2024, click HERE and cast your vote by liking the post.
The RISE Educator Award for this year offers a top prize of RM5,000 to the winner, RM500 to the individual who nominated them, and a substantial RM20,000 grant to the recipient’s school for enhancing facilities or infrastructure. Additionally, the four remaining finalists will each be granted RM10,000 for their schools and be awarded an RM1,000 cash prize, while their nominators will receive RM250.
In the diverse landscape of education, Indian teachers stand out as exemplars of dedication and innovation, as showcased by the remarkable nominees for the RISE Educator Award 2024. Let us show our support to these teachers, who epitomize the transformative power of education and make invaluable contributions to their students, communities, and the educational landscape as a whole.
Source: Taylor’s College Website
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