Members of the public are invited to nominate teachers they feel make a tremendous difference in the lives of all children for a new international award.

The Heritage International Scholarship Trust Foundation is going to recognise one teacher with a new award of $1,000 for his/her excellence and passion in teaching young children.

The award is for teachers in the local pre-school, early childhood education groups and junior grade levels, up to grade four, in public, private and parochial schools and will be presented on an annual basis.

The nominated teachers should be those who are making a significant contribution to education and are thereby helping to raise the status of the teaching profession.

They will have introduced innovative methods of teaching and learning to the classroom, and in doing so, broadened the horizons and raised the expectations of their students.

The Heritage International Scholarship Trust Foundation president and CEO Scott McIndless said nominations with testimonials of 350 words or less will be accepted until July 31.

The award winner will be chosen by a selection committee that is comprised of individuals from a broad cross-section of society, including educators, parents, media and others who are keenly interested in early childhood development.

Information on the Excellence Awards, including criteria, nomination forms and brochures can be obtained by visiting the website, www.heritageesp.com.

The award winner will be announced in October.