Do you know an inspiring educator who has a gift for sparking a love for engineering in young minds? The ERA Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2025 David Clark Prize – an award designed to celebrate outstanding teachers who bring engineering to life in their classrooms.
This year, the prize will honour two exceptional educators: one from a primary school and one from a secondary school, college, or University Technical College (UTC). Each winner will receive £3,000 as a personal award, and their institution will benefit from £12,000 over three years to enhance engineering initiatives.
Celebrating Inspirational Educators
The David Clark Prize recognizes teachers who go beyond the curriculum to make engineering engaging and accessible for students. It shines a spotlight on those who create exciting opportunities to explore engineering, such as hands-on activities, innovative learning spaces, and collaborations with industry.
Professor Sir Christopher Snowden, Chairman of the ERA Foundation, highlights the significance of the award:
"The David Clark Prize celebrates educators who transform young lives through engineering. Past winners have created innovative programs that bring engineering to life in their classrooms and communities."
What Makes a Winning Nominee?
Nominees should demonstrate:
- A clear vision for technology and engineering education.
- Creative approaches to engaging students with engineering.
- Tangible success in inspiring students toward engineering careers.
- A sustained impact on students over the past five years.
The judging panel is particularly keen to see evidence of practical engineering experiences, partnerships with industry, curriculum innovation, and initiatives that promote inclusivity in engineering education.
How to Nominate
Nominations must include:
Submit nominations to andrew.everett@erafoundation.org by Friday, March 14, 2025. The winners will be announced at the ERA Foundation Annual Dinner in June 2025.
Why the David Clark Prize Matters
The ERA Foundation’s mission to develop young engineering talent makes this prize a cornerstone of its work. By recognizing and supporting exceptional educators, the award not only rewards their efforts but also empowers schools to expand their engineering initiatives.
In previous years, winners such as Paul Tyler from Kirkhill Primary School and Anthony Vaughan-Evans from East Point Academy (2024), and Jenn McEwan of Doonfoot Primary School and Isabel Culmer from Barton Peveril Sixth Form College (2023), have demonstrated the transformative power of innovative teaching.
The David Clark Prize ensures these inspiring educators have the resources to continue their incredible work – creating a ripple effect that inspires generations of engineers to come.
For more information, visit the official announcement on the ERA Foundation website.
Don’t miss this opportunity to shine a spotlight on the educators who are shaping the future of engineering!