By Sumathi V Selvaretnam

THE search is on for Singapore's most inspiring English teacher.

Does your teacher engage you with colourful stories , excite you to think out of the box and enthuse you with witty remarks all in the name of the English language?

Then she might just be in the running for the Inspiring Teacher of English Award, the first national award for English teachers in Singapore schools.

Jointly presented by The Straits Times, and the Speak Good English Movement (SGEM), with the support of the Ministry of Education, the award honours teachers who have been instrumental in igniting a love for the English language and who have helped their students speak and write better.

'Schools form one of the front lines of improving the standard of English in Singapore, and good teachers of the language are key if we are to see this improvement happen,' said Mr Goh Eck Kheng, Chairman, SGEM.

Senior Minister of State for Education RAdm (NS) Lui Tuck Yew commended the SGEM committee for its initiative to recognise good English teachers.

He said: ' I urge students, parents and fellow teachers to recommend these outstanding English teachers for the award.'

Winning teachers will receive a cash award and trophy.

Mr Alan John, The Straits Times deputy editor, said: "As Singapore's main English-language newspaper, The Straits Times is happy to support this search for the most inspiring teachers of English.

"These are teachers you know you'll remember for life. It's her voice you hear in your head, correcting you when you say bring instead of take. Or he's the one who helped you enjoy a novel so much, you surprised yourself by reading it again.'

Nomination forms are available in all schools, and can also be downloaded via www.goodenglish.org.sg

Submissions close on July 15 and the winners will be announced in October.