Western Bay of Plenty teachers are being urged to throw their hat in the ring for the Education Excellence Awards.

Tauranga MP Simon Bridges believes teachers are a hugely important asset for children and need to be recognised and encouraged for their contribution.

'The Prime Minister's Education Excellence Awards aim to do just that. They celebrate the people in our communities delivering the best teaching to children, those who raise the bar that bit higher.”

The awards cover early childhood education, through to secondary schooling and collaboration with tertiary providers and employers to create pathways for our young people, says Simon.

The four main categories are excellence in governing, excellence in leading, excellence in teacher and learning, and excellence in engaging.

The category winners will receive $20,000 and the supreme winner will receive an additional $30,000.

'I encourage people or groups to apply now. We have a lot of talented people in Tauranga, and I have witnessed this first hand during visits to many of our local schools.

'We believe ensuring every child gets a good education is the most important thing we can do to raise living standards, and create a more competitive and productive economy – one of our priorities this term.”

Entry forms are available at www.pmaawards.education.govt.nz

Entries close on March 31, 2014 and finalists will be announced in April 2014.