McDonald’s Inspirational Teacher Award to Celebrate Extraordinary Teachers

In conjunction with National Teachers’ Day celebration this year, Anugerah Guru Insipirasi McDonald’s (McDonald’s Inspirational Teacher Award) celebrates the efforts of educators who always go above and beyond in their call of duty for their students.

Out of more than 4,000 story nominations, 25 teachers were chosen as the award winners. 

This is to pay tribute to the teachers’ sacrifices towards their students. Four of the recipients from Perak are Zuraini binti Abdullah from Sekolah Seni Malaysia, Nur Fadhlina bt Khairuddin from SK Gopeng Taman Gopeng Baru, Ismail Bin Muhamad Zin from SK Besout and Ahmad Safarman Dollah from SK Kenering.

As the key players in nurturing the young for the future, teachers have tireless dedication in sharing their knowledge to prepare them to thrive in the times ahead.

According to the Managing Director and Local Operating Partner of McDonald’s Malaysia Azmir Jaafar, the Inspirational Teacher Award serves as a platform to promote extraordinary teachers in our lives. “We received heartwarming stories about teachers who go the extra mile in cultivating the minds of the younger generation and building a strong foundation that would shape their future. The stories we received reflected the unwavering dedication and commitment that these teachers have in carrying out their daily duties, big or small, that form the entirety of their profession,” he expressed. 

Many nominations this year spoke of the strength and resilience of teachers while navigating through the current climate of the pandemic, using creativity and the power of perseverance to continue connecting with their students and making sure that no one is left behind in their studies. This includes creating an interactive environment and providing sufficient tools for students while they learn remotely.

The Principal of Sekolah Seni Malaysia, Zuraini said it is not easy for both the teachers and students, but they have to adapt to the concept of ‘far but near’ due to the pandemic. “We are utilising nearly every social media platform such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and even TikTok to communicate and to be frank, it’s fun,” said the art teacher, who has been in the education industry for more than 30 years. 

When asked how she keeps her students engaged in long distance learning, she ensures that her subjects are practical. This encourages them to be creative and to source their own information, and they often compete (healthily) to complete their task.

Another award recipient, Nur Fadhlina from SK Gopeng Taman Gopeng Baru leverages YouTube as a platform to teach her students, as well as to provide tips to other educators who would like to develop videos as teaching materials. Her YouTube channel @LinnZack currently boasts more than 19,000 subscribers.

As for the Sejarah (history) and Bahasa Malaysia (Malay language) teacher from SK Kenering, Ahmad expressed that he will do his level best for his students. “Confidence is important among students. They strive to be better and to be an idol among themselves.

“For my classes, a timetable has been given ahead with instructions and guides. Motivation comes from the delivery method while teaching materials are somewhat similar to what have been used before the pandemic,” he said.

Gisele Soo

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