Dr Valerie holding a mock cheque which he received for winning the 2024 Malaysia Teacher Prize.
KOTA KINABALU (Oct 23): Dr Velerie Wheelervon Primus, a special education teacher from Bingkor Primary School, Keningau, was crowned as the winner of the 2024 Malaysia Teacher Prize which was presented by the Minister of Education, Fadhlina Sidek, on October 19 at Khazanah Auditorium, Asia School of Business, Kuala Lumpur.
He received a cash prize of RM50,000 as well as a trophy and a certificate.
The award, which is organized annually by Pemimpin GSL in collaboration with the Ministry of Education Malaysia and the Global Teacher Prize, narrowed 2,209 applications from teachers across the country before shortlisting the top 10 finalists.
Malaysia Teacher Prize is regarded as the most prestigious award for teachers in Malaysia.
Dr Velerie, who was also the recipient of the National Outstanding Special Education Teacher Award and the Sabah Youth Premier Award 2024, has developed a multisensory room project. This multisensory room has had a significant impact on pupils with special educational needs by providing consistent occupational therapy.
He believes in the principle “Miracles Do Happen,” and his effort has helped many special needs pupils made a remarkable progress in their academic performance and daily life management. According to school’s headmaster, Sylvester Balang, Dr Velerie not only managed to educate his pupils to attain the basic literary and life skills well but he has also served as a role model for the school by encouraging other teachers to venture into innovation and research to help enhance their pupils’ comprehensive development.
He expressed his sheer delight in winning the award because it represents his advocacy in giving the best education that meets the need of neurodivergent children.
He also felt humbled since the award is a testament of his hard work and he saw it as a strong reason to consider pursuing his mission in providing a comprehensive education curriculum that supports the growth of special needs children.
Dr Valerie is currently collaborating with the Ministry of Education as well as several education organizations in revamping the special education curriculum.
