Page 47 - COTAP Progress Report 2015
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COTAP is of the view that an enhanced professional Scholarship schemes will be considered under
status and respect for the teaching profession in T-applause. COTAP could build on the success
society would help attract and retain talent in the of current Scholarship for Prospective English
profession. This is evident from the developments Teachers, and explore similar schemes for deserving
in some overseas countries, notably in Finland. teachers of other specialisms. Schemes to support
the pursuit of higher qualifications could also be
In Hong Kong, efforts have been made over the considered.
years to raise public awareness of the importance
of the teaching profession. Hong Kong celebrates Inter-school and territory-wide events or
Teachers’ Day on 10 September each year, when competitions could be organised to commend and
nominated teachers receive commendations in propagate success stories in caring and nurturing
recognition of their commitment and excellence in student growth and development, with wider use of
teaching. To further promote a culture of excellence the social media to maximise publicity.
and collaboration, teachers participate in a highly
prestigious award scheme, CEATE, which honours Recognition of excellence in school leadership will
accomplishments in different key areas. There are also be considered under T-applause, and COTAP
now over 600 teachers honoured with these awards, will further explore stakeholders’ suggestions of
and the CEATE Teachers Association has been set certificates of excellence and study grants for
up to propagate and share good teaching practices. high-performing school leaders.
Taking into account stakeholders’ views, and to COTAP would also review overseas practice
further reinforce efforts in this respect, COTAP and explore the feasibility of a number of other
proposes to establish T-applause, which will interesting and more complex suggestions,
embrace a series of promotional and contribution including post-graduate teacher training
schemes to celebrate achievements of high- programmes at master’s degree level, campaigns
performing practitioners. to promote excellence in research and evaluation
studies, and an expert track for teachers.
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