Nomination text template – Prime Minister’s Awards

On this page

• Teaching Excellence and Teaching Excellence in STEM
• Excellence in Early Childhood Education

Teaching Excellence and Teaching Excellence in STEM

• Nominators should organize their text using each selection criterion as a separate heading:
  • Digital and creative literacy in the classroom
  • Innovative and exemplary teaching practices
  • Support student success and skills development
  • Global citizenship and community involvement
  • Commitment and leadership
• Describe special projects, philosophies, unique learning environments, extracurricular activities, or special achievements that make this nominee excel;
• Provide details of examples not only statements such as "creates project-based learning" or " uses mindfulness strategies" or "creates a safe space" and not simply on one project;
• Include how the teacher's lessons lead to student success;
• An original title can make your nomination stand out among the others;
• Incorporate relevant photos into the nomination text;
• Include quotations from students, colleagues, parents, principal and/or the nominee themselves directly within the text;
• Use the word count to your advantage;
• Ensure that your text is double-spaced;
• Include the name of your nominee on the first page of the nomination text (Last name, First name); and
• Don't forget your page numbers!

For the STEM award, include specific examples on how the teacher displays excellence in STEM based teaching.

Introduction

(Maximum 350 words)

An effective introduction should be compelling and arouse the interest of the reader.

Digital and creative literacy in the classroom

(Maximum 1,000 words)

Describe and give concrete examples of how the teacher uses digital technologies in the classroom to foster creativity and improve student learning and outcomes.

You can explain how the teacher:

• provides opportunities for all students to be actively engaged in hands-on learning, using a variety of technologies (for example Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), computer coding, engaging girls in STEM)
• develops and uses collaborative learning materials, resources and multimedia (text, graphics, animation, music, and video)
• educates students about digital literacy, privacy, cyber bullying, and the safe and ethical use of the Internet
• helps students in remote communities access quality learning materials and provides them with equal opportunities for success using a variety of technologies and resources

Note: Where examples of using digital tools are not available due to challenges relating to accessing these resources, please provide context explaining how the educator works to instill knowledge of digital literacy despite these obstacles.

Innovative and exemplary teaching practices

(Maximum 1,000 words)

Describe and give concrete examples of the innovative and exemplary teaching practices that are replicable and best show the teacher's contribution to his or her students' learning.

You may choose to explain how the teacher:

• provides a stimulating and engaging learning environment for students of all levels or abilities
• implements creative and innovative teaching approaches
• encourages cooperative learning in the classroom
• integrates education subjects across other disciplines (for example interdisciplinary/cross-curricular teaching)

Support student success and skills development

(Maximum 1,000 words)

Describe and give concrete examples of how the teacher engages students in diverse learning opportunities to support their academic and personal growth.

You may choose to explain how the teacher:

• helps students develop higher level thinking skills (such as problem solving, creativity, innovation)
• encourages students to show leadership and take initiative
• encourages high attendance rates and strong student participation in extracurricular activities
• fosters student success in provincial/territorial, district, school board examinations or in-class assessments and activities
• supports student emotional development, mental health, social awareness and sense of responsibility

Global citizenship and community involvement

(Maximum 1,000 words)

Describe and give concrete examples of how the teacher encourages students to become global citizens, and involves parents, families and the community in students' education and learning.

You may choose to explain how the teacher:

• encourages students to critically consider real-world issues (such as climate change, human rights, gender equality, cultural diversity, and inclusivity,) and identify solutions through collaboration and innovation
• encourages the sharing of family traditions and cultural identity (for example Indigenous arts and culture)
• fosters community contacts or business-education partnerships that complement student learning

Commitment and leadership

(Maximum 1,000 words)

Describe and give concrete examples of how the teacher demonstrates a passion for teaching and leadership in the classroom.

You may choose to explain how the teacher:

• demonstrates exceptional commitment and leadership despite challenges in the classroom (such as working with at-risk youth, or in remote communities)
• collaborates with fellow educators to allow students to engage in learning opportunities across subject matters
• organizes, facilitates or delivers professional development courses, workshops or other educational activities
• acts as a mentor and role model for students, new teachers and other educators
• encourages a model of life-long learning

Conclusion

(Maximum 350 words)

An effective conclusion should summarize your nominee's overall achievements. Consider it as a final opportunity to convince the reader that your nominee deserves Canada's highest honour. The nominator should include their name after the conclusion.

Excellence in Early Childhood Education

• Nominators should organize their text using each selection criterion as a separate heading:
  • Support of child development
  • Innovation
  • Involvement with parents, families and the community
  • Commitment and leadership in the field
• Describe special projects, philosophies, unique learning environments, extracurricular activities, or special achievements that make this nominee excel
• Provide details of examples not only statements such as "creates project-based learning" or " uses mindfulness strategies" or "creates a safe space" and not simply on one project
• Include how the educator's lessons lead to child success
• An original title can make your nomination stand out among the others
• Incorporate relevant photos into the nomination text
• Include quotations from colleagues, parents, and/or the nominee themselves directly within the text
• Use the word count to your advantage
• Ensure that your text is double-spaced
• Include the name of your nominee on the first page of the nomination text (Last name, First name)
• Don't forget your page numbers!

Introduction

(Maximum 350 words)

An effective introduction should be compelling and arouse the interest of the reader.

Support of child development

(Maximum 1,000 words)

Describe and provide concrete examples of how the educator provides daily experiences that support and promote each child's physical, emotional, social, cognitive, ethical and creative development.

You may choose to explain how the educator:

• optimizes each child's unique development
• encourages children interest and participation
• provides stimulating and engaging learning environments for all children
• develops and maintains warm, caring and responsive relationships with each child and with the group of children
• uses observation to assess children's skills, abilities, interests and needs
• uses developmentally appropriate best practices

Innovation

(Maximum 1,000 words)

Describe and provide concrete examples of the educator's use of innovative and creative approaches to encourage and support each child's unique development.

You may choose to explain how the educator:

• captures and maintain children's interest
• explores new or different ideas with children
• recognizes and adapts to children's special needs (including physical, emotional, social, cognitive and creative needs)
• recognizes and includes diverse economic, cultural, linguistic and regional perspectives in the learning environment
• respects and promotes children's home language and cultural heritage
• incorporates events and activities occurring in children's lives in the learning environment
• incorporates international, national, local and community events and activities in the learning environment

Involvement with parents, families and the community

(Maximum 1,000 words)

Describe and provide concrete examples of the educator's efforts to involve and engage parents, families and the community in children's education and care.

You may choose to explain how the educator:

• develops and maintains open, cooperative relationships with each child's family
• encourages active parent, family and community involvement in children's learning
• develops and uses innovative approaches to engaging and supporting parents and families
• fosters community contacts or partnerships that encourage or complement children's learning and activities
• develops and maintains relationships with others in the early childhood education setting, (such as colleagues or with other community services and organizations involved with the children)

Commitment and leadership in the field

(Maximum 1,000 words)

Describe and provide concrete examples of the educator's ongoing professional development, leadership and commitment to improving the early childhood education and care field and to enhancing the ability of others in the profession.

You may choose to explain how the educator:

• organizes or delivers professional development courses, workshops or other development activities
• develops and disseminates learning materials, resources and best practices
• provides support or training to other professionals in the field (such as mentoring and training of students)
• fosters or contributes to the development of a team environment within their own early childhood education setting
• is actively involved in a professional organization, network or association related to early childhood education and care

Conclusion

(Maximum 350 words)

An effective conclusion should summarize your nominee's overall achievements. Consider it as a final opportunity to convince the reader that your nominee deserves Canada's highest honour. The nominator should include their name after the conclusion.