ESU and Cambridge University Press Launch New Award

This article was published on Monday 6 June 2011

New Writing Award offers cash prize and publishing potential with Cambridge University Press.

A ‘New Writing Award’ for English Language Teachers has been launched by Cambridge University Press and The English-Speaking Union (ESU), which offers entrants the chance to win a prize of £1,000, and the chance to become a published author with Cambridge University Press.

The Cambridge ESU New Writing Award will recognise and reward new, unpublished, writing talent from the world of English language teaching, and entries are welcome from now until 22 July 2011.

Cambridge University Press publishes world-renowned ELT authors such as Ray Murphy, Michael McCarthy and Herbert Puchta, and market-leading titles such as English Grammar in Use, Touchstone and Interchange.

The award is open to all English language teachers and writers globally, for unpublished work and creative ideas, which might inspire and engage learners and teachers. The award is set to become an annual event, with a series of topics on language learning planned for future awards.

Ben Knight, Global Testing and Assessment Director for Cambridge University Press, said: “This year the award will focus on materials that help teachers and students assess their learning. We've chosen this because assessing what has been learnt is essential for good learning resources. We are looking for evidence of applicants’ writing style and capabilities, along with a demonstration of how the materials improve learning outcomes. We particularly welcome applications which show an understanding of how digital resources can help learning.”

Each entry should include an outline of the materials: what they are, how they are to be used and how they use assessment to improve students’ learning (max 250 words) and then a sample of the material – a maximum one double-page spread, or equivalent.

It is not necessarily the winning material that will be published. The Press and the ESU are looking for material that exemplifies a teacher’s ability and they will then be invited to join a team of writers at the Press.

Martin Mulloy, Director of Charitable Activities at the English-Speaking Union, said: “We’ve worked with Cambridge University Press to develop an award that gives more people the chance to become valued and recognised in the field of ELT publishing. What we are looking for is outstanding examples of new, creative excellence in the English language teaching field.”

David Harrison, Global ELT Sales & Marketing Director for Cambridge University Press, said: “We are very excited to be working with the ESU on this award to find new, unpublished talent. The ESU and Cambridge University Press welcome the challenges of an ever-changing landscape of English language learning and teaching. Our exceptional team of authors leads the field in innovative teaching methodology around the world and the winner of the Cambridge ESU New Writing Award will be welcomed into our team to contribute to the continuation of the Press’s standard of excellence.”

There will be a formal award ceremony later in the year, where the winner will be announced. More information about this will be released once dates are confirmed.

Click here for the full terms and conditions and to submit your entry. Entries accepted from today until 22 July 2011.