Accomplished role models: Chief Executive Donald Tsang (centre) and guests officiate at the presentation ceremony.

Forty-two teachers with exemplary teaching practices in mathematics and science have been presented with the Chief Executive's Award for Teaching Excellence while 38 have been awarded certificates of merit.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang said he is proud of Hong Kong's professional and vibrant teaching force.

Presenting the awards today, Mr Tsang said it is heartening to see students doing better in mathematics and science in international competitions and surveys. This can be attributed to their teachers.

Unfailing commitment

"While complimenting individual teachers for their achievements, I would also like to thank all our teachers for their unfailing commitment to the teaching profession notwithstanding the extra demands and challenges brought about by the education reform," Mr Tsang said.

"I have no doubt about our teachers' belief in the mission and vision of education reform and their determination to perfect themselves in order to demonstrate to their students what it takes to be a lifelong learner. I believe that to all our teachers, teaching is much more than a job. It is, indeed, the enlightenment of our young minds, to which all of you are dedicated and from which you will derive utmost satisfaction and fulfilment."

More details about the awards are available here. Sharing activities for winning teachers will be rolled out from September, followed by an exhibit in November.

Nominations for the 2006-07 awards will be accepted from July 10 to October 9. It will be open to teachers of the arts education and the personal, social and humanities education key learning area.

Nominations from kindergarten teachers relating to the teaching of music and movement, drama and visual arts will also be welcome.