Last chance to nominate a deserving local teacher:

There are just 10 days left to nominate a local teacher for the 2015 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards, which gives teachers the opportunity to receive $10,000 to fund an existing or new financial education initiative in their school. 

The Teaching Awards recognise and reward extraordinary teachers from schools across Australia who have demonstrated a commitment to developing the essential money management skills of their students. 

Ian Narev, Commonwealth Bank Chief Executive Officer said, "Teachers are fundamental to enhancing the financial literacy of the next generation. Commonwealth Bank is committed to working with teachers to help build students' skills and equip them for the future. "

"The Teaching Awards celebrate teachers who are creating innovative and engaging money management programs. We have seen some exceptional learning initiatives over the years, from an online banking simulator for children with special needs to a self-sufficient school economy," said Mr Narev.

Commonwealth Bank will award 15 teachers from across Australia with $10,000 each to further develop their financial learning program, as well as an additional $2,000 personal reward for each winning teacher. 

This year also sees the program extended to include additional awards ­ a National Winner, an Innovation Award and a Technology Award.

Applications for the 2015 Teaching Awards are currently open to all Kindergarten to Year 12 teachers in all Australian schools. Teachers can be nominated or can apply themselves online. To apply, teachers must outline a money management program that is currently in place, or a program they would like to implement.

The Teaching Awards form part of Commonwealth Bank¹s 25 year commitment to improving Australian education outcomes. This includes an initial $50 million investment over the next three years. Commonwealth Bank is making this commitment to education because it understands that better schools make a better country.

The 2015 Teaching Award recipients will be announced at a special ceremony in Sydney on Wednesday 30 September. For further information or to apply for the Awards, visit www.commbank.com.au/teachingawards