OPMTL 2026

Outstanding Preschool Mother Tongue Language Teacher Award

The Outstanding Preschool Mother Tongue Language (MTL) Teacher Award, jointly organised by the Committee to Promote Chinese Language Learning (CPCLL), Malay Language Learning and Promotion Committee (MLLPC), and Tamil Language Learning and Promotion Committee (TLLPC), supported by Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) and National Institute of Early Childhood Development (NIEC), aims to encourage more teachers to inspire the learning and use of MTL in our young children. The award recognises preschool MTL teachers for their passion in making MTL learning interesting and for their unique ability to inspire a love for the MTL in preschoolers. This award is now closed. The next nomination will be in 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Nominees must be either Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents;
2. Nominees must be in-service Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA)-certified teachers or possess a Level 2 Letter of Notification (LON) and Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education-Teaching (DECCE-T) or equivalent early childhood qualifications;
3. Nominees must be teaching in ECDA-registered kindergartens, ECDA-licensed child care centres or ECDA-equivalent authority registered/ licensed preschools.
4. Nominees must have at least 3 years of teaching experience teaching Mother Tongue Language in ECDA-registered kindergartens, ECDA-licensed child care centres or MOE kindergartens.
5. Past winners who have not received the award in the past 3 years may be nominated for the award again.

Instructions for Nomination

1. Each kindergarten or childcare centre can nominate only 1 teacher for each MTL.
2. Only nominations endorsed by the Centre Head/Principal/Supervisor will be accepted.
3. Ensure that the nomination text illustrates the outstanding achievements of the nominee and provide clear evidence to support the nomination.
4. The following digitalised documents are to be submitted with each nomination:
   1. A completed online nomination form
   2. Annex A: Lesson plan using the template provided (in PDF)
   3. Annex B: A write-up by Centre Head/Principal/Supervisor (in PDF)
   4. Annex C: A write-up by nominee/teacher (in MTL) (in PDF)
   5. An unedited video clip (duration of not more than 20min) showcasing the highlights of the submitted lesson plan enacted in 2026.
5. For each nomination:
   1. Documents (b) – (e) should be saved into a folder and uploaded into a Google Drive. The folder should be labelled Name of teacher_name of Centre (e.g. Tan Meling_abc centre).
   2. The folder must be shared with organiser. Do remember to provide us with the access rights.
6. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted.
7. Shortlisted nominees will be notified to attend an interview and undergo a lesson observation at their current workplace. Do ensure that your nominee is available for the session.
8. Name of the nominee in all forms should be the same as their passport/NRIC when submitting. Please ensure accuracy of name as it will be used for certificate and other award matters.

The decision of the selection panel is final. No correspondence will be entertained.