The Progressive Educators Platform (PEP) announces Awards for Teachers for keeping learning going during Covid-19

· UNESCO, Oxford University Press and Airmeet support this online event

· Music composer Shantanu Moitra does a fireside chat on alternative routes to education, and credits his teacher for who he is today

· Educators, Teachers, School Administrators and Parents participate in panels, masterclasses and workshops

· Teachers from across India are awarded for their spirit and innovation during the sudden lockdown schooling circumstances.

New Delhi: The Progressive Educators Platform (PEP) joined hands with UNESCO, Airmeet and Oxford University Press (OUP) to recognize the effort of teachers during Covid-19. The event, conceptualized by the Big Impact Consulting Group, brought together educators, school administrators, parents and policy-makes on an online platform to discuss and deliberate on themes such as the New Education Policy 2020, Lockdown Teaching and Learning, Alternative Learning routes, Building Resilience and Creativity in adverse times among others.

The PEP Teacher Awards 2020 were conferred on 11 teachers for their invaluable service and contribution to keep the learning process going during the Covid-19 pandemic. These awards are a celebration of their commitment and undying spirit.

In addition to core academic discussions, the event showcased a fireside chat with Mr. Shantanu Moitra, Bollywood Music Composer, who was in conversation with Ms. Sharbari Purkayastha, Founder & CEO, Big Impact Consulting Group. He had many inspiring words to say about the role of his teacher in his life who made sure his music did not get swamped by academics, and convinced his parents too, to which he credits his professional success today.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Mame Omar Diop, Chief of Education, UNESCO, New Delhi, said: “I believe this event has come at a perfect time. While the education systems are undergoing transformation and learning is challenged, teachers across the globe have to adapt to a new normal and ensure that learning never stops for students. Teachers are the backbone of any education setup and they have yet demonstrated it in these unprecedented times of Covid-19 outbreak. They deserve to be rewarded for their commendable efforts. While there might be a few awardees in this event, for us, all teachers are winners and are extremely crucial to ensure that we guarantee inclusive quality education for all.”

The key speakers and panelists at PEP Awards included Sowmya Velayudham, CEO – Grey Matters India, Saumil Majumdar, CEO & MD Sportz Village, Lubna Sen – Founder of Art Route, Yash Mehta – Executive Director, OUP India among others.

Speaking at the event Sharbari Purkayastha, Founder & CEO, Big Impact Consulting Group said: “I have drawn inspiration from Teachers every day during these recent times. And that’s why the first event of the Progressive Educators Platform (PEP) had to be dedicated to Teachers. In addition to awards, we have brought a few learning sessions, also called PEP Talks, for them today, from which all of us as Educators can get input from a diverse range of people and ideas. Exploring diverse learning input-output will be one of the continuing hallmarks of our Platform, in the service of the future of education and educators.”

Yash Mehta, Executive Director, Oxford University Press India said: “We are delighted to see teachers being recognized for their exemplary work during Covid-19 and its only fair that we recognize their efforts and invest in their development. At OUP, we firmly believe in the continuous professional development of teachers and we are pleased to offer some of our courses to winners as part of this recognition. Through interventions such as this we can continue to keep the teachers engaged and motivated so that they deliver excellent learning and teaching and contribute to nation building.”

Below are the winners of the PEP Awards 2020 from across the country. July members included Mr. Omar Diop, Chief of Education, UNESCO New Delhi and Kavita Anand, Co-Founder, Adhyayan Quality Education Services for creativity and innovation.

The PEP teacher Awards received nominations from over 200 teachers from schools across the country that were carefully evaluated by the Jury members. A total of 11 teachers were awarded with 8 teachers winning key category awards and 3 teachers bagging the Jury Award. The award ceremony also celebrated the remarkable work of some more teachers through Special Recognition Awards. The winners include teachers from Ryan International Group of Schools, Shiv Nadar School, Amity International School, Amanora, Gems International, T.M Patel International, St Ann’s Goa, Tattva Bangalore and Vega School, among others.

The Progressive Educators Platform is dedicated to Education issues; it provides a platform to Individuals and Institutions in the education domain to discuss ways to actively build new capabilities and create opportunities for bigger impact in teaching and learning.