Nomination categories

Primary teacher of the year Secondary teacher of the year Learning support assistant of the year School leadership in a primary School leadership in a secondary Working with parents and the community Most creative use of ICT Excellence in special needs teaching Outstanding new teacher Lifetime achievement award

It aims to raise the profile of teachers and to acknowledge publicly those who are making a distinctive contribution in the classroom.

The Teaching Awards are now in their third year and are open to all schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland-born Nesbitt - currently starring in the ITV drama Cold Feet - presented one of the awards at last year's national ceremony at the Millennium Dome.

"Having teachers as parents I've seen the time, effort and pride that goes into the profession," he said.

James Nesbitt launched the nominations at a school in London

"It's a vocation that shapes the country's future and it doesn't always receive a fitting recognition.

"Hopefully, this year we can raise the awareness of the awards and receive a record number of nominations from a wider community."

Chair of trustees for the awards, Lord Puttnam, said they were an opportunity to "recognise the outstanding communicators within the teaching profession" and to celebrate the "vital role" they played in communities across the country.

Nomination forms can be found on the Teaching Awards website. The deadline for completed forms is 14 March 2001.