Royal Society Te Apārangi Teaching Excellence Award (STEM)
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
Applications are now open for the inaugural Teaching Excellence Award (STEM) from the Royal Society Te Apārangi.
Created by the Academy of the Royal Society, this award recognises exemplary and innovative teaching across science, technology, mathematics, pūtaiao, hangarau and pāngarau.
The recipient will be presented with their certificate at the Royal Society’s annual Research Honours Aotearoa awards.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible, a nominee must:
Be a qualified teacher working at any level from Years 1–13, including kura kaupapa
Be actively teaching at the time of nomination
Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
Have a minimum of five years of teaching experience in Aotearoa
Nominations may be made by any person other than the nominee.
What are they looking for?
The criteria align with Aotearoa New Zealand’s Code and Standards for the Teaching Profession and focus on clear evidence of excellence in:
Exemplary and innovative practice
Teachers who:
Implement forward-thinking, research-informed and culturally responsive approaches
Use innovative and creative strategies, including digital tools and interdisciplinary methods
Use assessment and student voice to refine practice and maximise learning outcomes
Cultivating student success and growth
Teachers who:
Create safe, inclusive and empowering learning environments
Differentiate to meet diverse needs and ensure equitable access
Foster critical thinking, collaboration and resilience
Global citizenship and community engagement
Teachers who:
Embed cultural inclusivity and global awareness
Build meaningful local connections
Integrate te reo Māori, tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles authentically and purposefully
Leadership and commitment
Teachers who:
Mentor and support colleagues
Demonstrate ongoing professional learning
Advocate for improvements in education at school, local or national level
What is required in a nomination?
Nominations are submitted through the Society’s Medals and Awards web portal (access provided upon request). A complete nomination includes:
A one-sentence citation (25 words maximum)
A nomination summary (100 words maximum)
A nomination statement (500 words maximum)
Curriculum vitae
Supporting evidence of teaching excellence
Two independent referees (at least one from outside the nominee’s institution)
This award signals something important. It recognises that excellence in STEM education is not just about subject knowledge, but about leadership, cultural responsiveness, community connection, and innovation in practice. The criteria reflect a holistic view of teaching in Aotearoa — one that values Te Tiriti partnership, equity, and global citizenship alongside disciplinary strength.
If you know a colleague whose practice quietly (or loudly) lifts students, supports other teachers, and strengthens science and mathematics learning in our communities, this may be an opportunity worth exploring.
Nominations for the Royal Society Te Apārangi Teaching Excellence Award STEM close Monday, 31 March 2026.