About the awards and governance
The World Teachers’ Day NT - NT Excellence Awards recognise the contribution of Northern Territory (NT) Government school teachers, principals, leaders, school based support staff and corporate based staff to quality education.
Terms and conditions
World Teachers' Day NT - NT Excellence Awards Terms and Conditions PDF (516.9 KB)
Judging process
The 2026 process is a multi-staged process involving the following steps:
- Nomination period
- Principal endorsement period – principals endorse one nomination per category for their school which will move to the next round of judging
- Regional senior directors endorse 3 nominations per category, per region that they oversee – these nominees become the regional finalists in that category
- Deputy chief executive, Schools endorses regional and overall winners
- Chief executive approves all winners.
Each judge is provided with an online judging scoresheet to assist in the assessment process and ensure the integrity of their selections.
This year marks 21 years of recognising and celebrating outstanding teachers in NT Government schools.
Finalists announced, view the full listing.
World Teachers’ Day - NT Excellence Awards
Categories and criteria
All nominees must be working in a Northern Territory Government school or corporate office at the time of nomination, and meet the eligibility criteria below for the award category.
- Northern Territory Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Educator of the Year
Eligible nominees include principals, school leaders, teachers, assistant teachers and support staff of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. - Northern Territory Corporate Based Support Person of the Year
Eligible nominees include DET corporate staff providing support to schools. Can be an individual or a team. - Northern Territory Early Childhood Educator of the Year
Eligible nominees include early childhood educators who work in preschool, Families as First Teachers (including Stay Play Learn), childcare and transition settings. - Northern Territory Inclusion Educator of the Year
Eligible nominees include special education teachers, school leaders, teachers and support staff. - Northern Territory Leader in Education of the Year
Eligible nominees include school leaders, assistant principals, senior teachers, highly accomplished and lead teachers. - Northern Territory Primary Educator of the Year
Eligible nominees include primary teachers (years 1 to 6) and senior teachers. - Northern Territory Principal of the Year
Eligible nominees include principals (level 1 to 7). - Northern Territory Secondary Educator of the Year
Eligible nominees include middle years and senior secondary teachers (years 7 to 12), senior teachers and vocational education trainers, teachers and coordinators. - Northern Territory School Based Support Person of the Year
Eligible nominees include Aboriginal team teachers, support staff, administration staff, attendance officers, paraprofessionals working in classroom contexts and maintenance staff.
For all enquiries, email teacherawards@education.nt.gov.au.