SINGAPORE - From next year, educators from polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) will be included in the President's Award for Teachers.

In a Facebook post yesterday, Education Minister (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung said that over the past year, he had met many polytechnic and ITE educators who have gone the extra mile to help their students.

"Beyond teaching, they mentor, guide, encourage and nurture the students. They share their life and career experiences with the students," he added.

So, it is fitting that the President's Award for Teachers will be extended to ITE and the polytechnics from next year, said Mr Ong.

More than 70 teachers have received the award since its introduction in 1998. The award is presented to exemplary teachers every year on Teachers' Day.

Among other things, they motivate, challenge or inspire students and also demonstrate themselves to be role models to other teachers.

The award, which will open for applications next January, is the highest accolade for teaching excellence in Singapore.