The Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence recognize the efforts of outstanding teachers in all disciplines who provide students with the tools to become good citizens, to develop and grow as individuals, and to contribute to Canada's growth, prosperity and well-being.
The education stakeholders from across Canada who make up the national and regional selection committees look for evidence that teachers have achieved outstanding results with students, inspired them to learn and continue learning, and equipped them with the skills and attitudes they need to succeed in our changing society and knowledge-based economy. Specifically, they recognize nominees who have excelled in the following areas:
- student interest and participation
- student achievement and performance
- student skills development
- teacher commitment and leadership
- exemplary teaching practices.
Teachers are eligible for two awards: the Certificate of Excellence and the Certificate of Achievement. All recipients receive a certificate and pin, along with a letter from the Prime Minister. Recipients' schools receive cash awards to be used for educational purposes, such as professional development or equipment, and a certificate recognizing their support and their contribution to the teachers' achievement.
Fifteen Certificate of Excellence recipients travel to Ottawa for four days of tours, best practices sessions and a ceremony with the Prime Minister at which they receive their award certificate. Cabinet ministers or members of Parliament are invited to participate in local events to honour Certificate of Achievement recipients in their communities.
For more information about the program and our next competition, refer to our web site at www.schoolnet.ca/pma/, call our hotline (1-800-575-9200), E-mail us pmawards@ic.gc.ca, or write to:
The Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence
Industry Canada
Room 713
Heritage Place
155 Queen Street
Ottawa ON K1A 0H5