Did you know that McDonald’s have been awarding extraordinary teachers for the past five years? It is not a joke. The fast-food restaurant that is often accused of causing obesity and targeted by the locals as being linked to Israel has been celebrating educators who has gone above and beyond their call of duty.

This year they are giving RM5,000 to 25 teachers. In cash, not vouchers. Those who nominated the winning teacher gets RM200 in vouchers.

Here is how the nomination process works:

First, log into the McDonald’s Inspirational Teacher Award website.

Second, submit a nomination form with an essay about how your teacher has inspired you.

Third, add any supporting photos. This step is optional.

This process is clearly aimed at children.

According to McDonald’s, the teachers are selected based on criteria such as improving the academic performance of the students, employing innovative and out-of-the-box methods of teaching, going beyond the call of duty to assist students, and the positive impact the teacher has had on students.

The recipients of the award are selected by a panel of judges made up of representatives from McDonald’s, the Education Ministry and the media. So, it’s a show, but not a popularity contest, which makes this whole thing more legitimate.

I think teachers deserves more than just 5k this difficult year, but to be fair, McDonald’s is awarding 25 teachers.

Submissions can be made in Bahasa Malaysia, English, or Chinese between 2021, April 2 to 18.

McDonald’s Inspirational Teacher Award: website.