Hall of Fame

Marie-Louise Laurent Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Teaching of French

Marie-Louise Laurent was a highly esteemed teacher of French in Western Australia, who contributed not only her expertise to the profession, but her love of everything French and her passion for life and support for the teaching profession. Marie-Louise passed away in July 1999, after a battle with cancer. Marie-Louise was a vital and active member of TOFA and a mentor. She bequeathed all her teaching resources and beautiful books to TOFA. At the stage à la Plage 2000, TOFA conducted a silent auction of these magnificent books and the decision was taken to use these funds to have an annual award in Marie-Louise’s name to honour her memory.

Marie-Louise’s theme was «Je ne regrette rien.»

The award

The Marie-Louise Laurent Award has been designed therefore to reflect the values we saw in Marie-Louise. This award will recognise and congratulate local contributions of excellence in the teaching of French and the support of fellow teachers. It is also designed to increase the status of the French teaching profession.

Criteria

A commitment to excellence in the teaching and learning of French.
Demonstrate and promote best teaching practice through a wide variety of innovative, current teaching approaches, including the ability to cater for the diverse needs of both groups, and individuals.
Exhibits a nurturing nature towards other French teachers, through mentorship and support networks.
Have a minimum of 3 years continuous, active membership of TOFA, to the time of the application.
Be able to demonstrate a significant contribution to the profession (through, example: interstaff development, professional association involvement, district or regional networks, involvement in other organisations with a French interest)

It remains at the discretion of the Selection Panel as to whether the best nominee is meritous enough for the award. A maximum of one award will be made each year.

The application

The application must address the above criteria and should not exceed three A4 pages. It is to be accompanied by a brief description of the background of the nominee, not exceeding half a page in length. (Eg: years of service, schools taught at, previous awards, involvement in the profession etc) It is to have the cover page attached and be signed by 2 nominating people. One of whom is to be a current TOFA member, the other, a colleague LOTE teacher or superordinate (not necessarily a TOFA member).

This is a most prestigious award, which recognises a teacher for his/her outstanding contribution to the teaching and learning of French. It is not just being an excellent teacher, but a mentor, an example and an active member of the profession, in sharing with other teachers.