BEN Announces Teaching Award Finalists
The Bermuda Education Network [BEN] announced the finalists for the 2024 BEN Teaching Awards, honoring outstanding public school initiatives, including Albert Benson, Shacolbi Basden, D’Vonne Ramsay, Katiuska Guerrero, Tamikia Allen, Tanika White, Maha Turner, and Beth Pacheco.
A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Education Network [BEN] is proud to announce the finalists for the BEN Teaching Awards, recognising several outstanding programmes and initiatives which were launched in 2024 in Bermuda’s public schools.
“The finalists are:
- 1] West Pembroke Primary School – Community Action Project Solution with Home Charity: Albert Benson and Shacolbi Basden
- 2] Purvis Primary – Dual Language Programme: D’Vonne Ramsay and Katiuska Guerrero
- 3] East End Primary – Music Programme: Tamikia Allen
- 4] Northlands Primary – After School Netball Club: Tanika White
- 5] Victor Scott Preschool – Bright Start Programme: Maha Turner
- 6] Whitney Institute Middle School – Transportation Project: Beth Pacheco”
Colm Singleton, Head of Office Allied World Bermuda, D’Vonne Ramsay, Katiuska Guerrero, Elizabeth Pacheco, Tanika White, Natalie Roberts, Maha Turner, Shacolbi Basden and Albert Benson. [Not pictured Tamikia Allen]. Photo by Jake Moniz 7 South Productions
BEN’s founder Becky Ausenda thanked Allied World for sponsoring the awards and said: “These educators play a crucial role in shaping the future, and through the Teaching Awards, we aim to showcase their invaluable contributions.”
Colm Singleton, Head of Allied World Bermuda, said: “Education is fundamental for the next generation to thrive locally, and globally. Allied World is honored to once again sponsor the BEN Teaching Awards. Best of luck to each finalist.”
The spokesperson said, “A selection committee, composed of experienced educators from elementary through senior schools will be meeting with the finalists and reviewing submissions over the next three weeks. The overall winner will be announced at a prize giving ceremony on February 20, 2025.
“BEN’s mission is to provide inspiration to teachers and the goal of these awards is to discover exemplary new projects and programmes as well as highlight the achievements of the educators responsible.
“A spokesperson for BEN explained that changes were made to the selection process this year. Nominations of new programmes and projects were sought from public school leaders and input came from leaders across the system about educators worthy of recognition.
“The goal of these awards is to highlight outstanding teaching and bring attention to exceptional new initiatives that are worthy of emulation. We accept that there are many ways to define who is an outstanding educator, and we may in future try to introduce a students’ choice in order to recognise different types of contribution.
“This new approach has resulted in some very exciting candidates and the selection committee will have a tough choice choosing a winner. Rather than applying rigid criteria, they will evaluate each entry holistically, considering its unique impact in one or more of the following areas:
- Enhancing Resources: Improving tools and materials in a specific content area.
- Engaging Students: Creating new, dynamic experiences that captivate learners.
- Inspiring Learning: Motivating students of all backgrounds and abilities to reach their full potential.
- Innovative Teaching: Demonstrating creative and effective teaching strategies that benefit both students and educators.
- Fostering Collaboration: Encouraging teamwork among educators and community partners.
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