How to shape a nomination that stands up
A good nomination reads like a straightforward account of what happened, not a praise sheet. Write in plain terms about the learner group, the setting, the problem that needed attention, and the support the nominee gave. If the person mentored a child through exams, sorted a study group, or helped a struggling learner stay in school, that belongs in the story.
Useful detail helps the review process. Dates are helpful, names of schools or community groups are helpful, and examples matter. Keep the focus on real actions. Avoid general claims such as being kind or dedicated unless you also show what that looked like in practice.
- State the nominee’s role and where they work or volunteer
- Describe one or two specific examples in full sentences
- Include any written proof, photos, messages or witness notes you have permission to share
What the review team looks for
The judging process looks at service, consistency, reach and practical impact. A strong nomination shows that the nominee acted in a way that made a real difference to learners or families, not just on one good day but in a pattern that others could see. The panel also checks whether the nomination is clear enough to verify from the information supplied.
For Teacher Mentor, the best entries often show patience under pressure, support for learners who need extra guidance, and a proper link between the nominee’s actions and the outcome. A child gaining confidence, a class improving attendance, or a learner staying on track are all examples of impact when they are explained properly.
- Service to learners or the wider education community
- Consistency over time, not only one event
- Evidence that the nominee’s support had a visible effect
Consent and privacy sit at the centre
The nominee should know they have been nominated, and consent is important wherever personal details or images are included. If a child, family member or school situation is mentioned, keep the information limited to what is necessary. Sensitive details should only be included where they genuinely support the nomination and where permission has been considered carefully.
Privacy handling matters just as much as the story. Share only the information needed for review, avoid unnecessary contact details, and do not upload more than you need. If the nomination includes vulnerable learners, use the safest wording possible and leave out anything that could expose them or their family.
- Get consent from the nominee before submission where possible
- Keep learner information minimal and relevant
- Protect images, names and personal notes with care
Where this category fits in daily school life
Teacher Mentor suits formal schools, after-school programmes, homework clubs, youth centres and community learning spaces. It also fits people who mentor quietly outside a title, such as a neighbour helping with reading, a retired teacher coaching a study group, or a volunteer who steps in for extra support at exam time. Braamfontein, Johannesburg is our base, but nominations arrive from many parts of the country.
Some nominees work in well-resourced schools, while others support learners with limited materials and long travel distances. Both can fit this category. What matters is the actual contribution and whether the nomination explains it clearly enough for review.
- School-based and community-based mentoring both fit
- Useful for formal teachers and informal supporters
- Suitable where learning support goes beyond set duties
Details to confirm before you submit
Before you send a Teacher Mentor nomination, check the nominee’s full name, role, school or community location, and the story you want the panel to read. If you are adding documents, make sure each file is legible and relevant. If your account refers to a learner, confirm that the wording is respectful and that the person has been considered in the consent process.
Our contact form on the contact page can be used for public enquiries about nominations, privacy, updating a submission or the review process. The programme also supports nominations across Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Free State, North West and Mpumalanga.
- Full name and role of the nominee
- Clear description of the mentoring or teaching contribution
- Any supporting material that has permission to be shared
Key facts
| Category | Teacher Mentor |
|---|---|
| Programme type | Nomination-based awards category |
| Coverage | Public nominations across South Africa |
| Suitable nominees | Teachers, mentors, tutors, carers and learning supporters |
| Submission method | our contact form on the contact page |
| Core review points | Service, consistency, reach, evidence, consent and privacy |
