Pearson, the world’s learning company, has launched a new global English Language Teacher (ELT) award to honour 'innovative teachers' in the Middle East region and around the world.

The award will showcase teachers from the Middle East, and around the world, who have implemented innovative ways of teaching in their classrooms leading to improved learning outcomes; from the big innovations to the everyday.

Pearson expects to see a great response from the Middle East, where teachers are adopting new digital tools, implementing new ideas and coming up with innovative solutions that improve outcomes for their learners, said a statement from Pearson.

With a growing recognition of the importance of English language skills, the award recognises the crucial role that teachers from all walks of English teaching play.

Sue Mainey, the director of marketing for Pearson in the Middle East, said: "English language is an important aspect of all levels of education, as it is a means through which individuals can progress their learning, as well as their prospects of career success."

"It is therefore critical that we have a body of first-class English language teachers available to schools, colleges and universities, so that our region’s learners are given the best prospects of success. This award will pay homage to those teachers who go above and beyond and who are helping to raise standards across the profession,” noted Mainey.

Entries will be judged by a panel of experts from within the ELT community who will be looking for examples of best practice and innovative approaches to improving learner outcomes.

Five inspiring teachers will each win an all-expenses paid trip to the forthcoming IATEFL or Tesol conferences where they will enjoy the opportunity to hear the latest theories and exchange ideas with fellow professionals from all sectors of ELT.

In addition, a People’s Choice winner will be selected by a public vote from the entries submitted. The winner will receive 20 Kindles for their class pre-loaded with a selection of Pearson English Readers.

Teachers can self-submit entries or nominate colleagues for the award from now until January 1, 2017 via the Pearson ELT website. The winners will be announced on January 25.

Giles Grant, the senior vice president (ELT) at Pearson pointed out that behind every successful learner there was a teacher providing fuel and encouragement along the way.

"This new award will celebrate teachers from all walks of English teaching, particularly those implementing new ideas, adapting tools or creating their own solutions to improve the learner experience," he added.-TradeArabia News Service