News Releases
October 28, 2005

Albertans invited to celebrate teaching

Edmonton... Albertans across the province are invited to recognize current exceptional teachers or principals in their community by nominating them for a 2006 Excellence in Teaching Award. Students, parents, teacher-colleagues, principals and community members all have the opportunity to nominate teachers or principals who have demonstrated excellence in their profession.

"The contributions of our teachers are vital to student success," said Alberta Education Minister Gene Zwozdesky. "The Excellence in Teaching Awards program provides Albertans with a wonderful way to say thank you and recognize the important work being done by teachers and principals in schools across our province today."

This year, 134 finalists will be selected from the eligible nominations received. From that group of finalists, 20 provincial Excellence in Teaching Awards and three SMARTer Kids Foundation Innovative Use of Technology Awards will be awarded. In May 2006, award recipients will be honoured at a dinner and awards ceremony in Calgary.

"Alberta's Centennial reminds us of the lasting impact individuals can have on a province and its people," said Zwozdesky. "I encourage every community in Alberta to nominate a special teacher and/or principal whose outstanding efforts have inspired those around them and impacted the future of our young citizens."

Nominations will be accepted until February 3, 2006. Nomination packages along with details on eligibility and the selection criteria may be obtained by calling toll free 1-866-590-1660. Requests may also be e-mailed to kbelanger@gov.ab.ca.

Alberta Education is proud to present the 18th Annual Excellence in Teaching Awards with the support of XEROX, the SMARTer Kids Foundation, the Edmonton Journal, the Alberta School Boards Association and the Alberta Home and School Councils' Association.

Backgrounder

2006 Excellence in Teaching Awards

Nomination Deadline: postmark packages on or before February 3, 2006

Eligibility

A nominee must be an individual who:
  • holds a permanent Alberta teaching certificate at the time of nomination;
  • teaches (or supports the teaching of) courses as outlined in the Program of Studies or locally developed and approved courses for Kindergarten to Grade 12 during the 2005-06 school year, and
  • works directly with students in a school setting on a daily basis (may be a principal or other certificated staff member).

NOTE: A former finalist is not eligible for nomination for three years after receiving a finalist award. A former provincial recipient is not eligible for nomination.

Criteria for Selection

Excellence in Teaching Awards
The criteria for selection applies to all award categories. The selection committee will look for specific examples of:
A. How the nominee's teaching or leadership excels at:
  • fostering the development of students and their intellectual, social, emotional and physical growth
  • establishing a stimulating learning environment
  • motivating students to exceed their own expectations
  • attending to individual student needs
  • working collaboratively with colleagues
  • demonstrating an in-depth knowledge of subject matter and curriculum
  • being involved in professional growth activities
  • achieving positive results in student learning
  • demonstrating care for the well-being of students and colleagues, thereby contributing to a positive school climate
B. How the nominee's teaching or leadership is innovative or creative in supporting student learning in one or more of the areas identified above.

Innovative or creative teaching that supports student learning may refer to:

  • introducing or applying successful or proven practices or approaches new to a classroom or a school
  • adapting approaches advocated in the literature or elsewhere for specific contexts of teaching and learning
  • championing a successful or proven approach throughout a school or school district/division
  • developing teacher resources or materials that complement an existing approach

SMARTer Kids Foundation Innovative Use of Technology Awards
The selection committee will look for specific examples of how the nominee excels in meeting the selection criteria through the use of electronic technology.
The selection committee reserves the right to consider all completed nomination submissions for the SMARTer Kids Foundation Award.

Selection Committee

The selection committee is made up of representatives from:
  • Alberta Education;
  • The Alberta Home and School Councils' Association;
  • The Alberta School Boards Association;
  • The Association of Independent Schools and Colleges;
  • The College of Alberta School Superintendents;
  • The Council on Alberta Teaching Standards;
  • The Universities Co-ordinating Council;
  • One Teacher Representative.

Awards

  • Each eligible nominee will receive a certificate in recognition of his/her nomination.
  • Of all eligible nominations, 134 award finalists, including nine SMARTer Kids Foundation award finalists will be presented with a finalist certificate at a school or community event. Finalists will be announced in April 2006.
  • Twenty Excellence in Teaching Awards and three SMARTer Kids Foundation Innovative Use of Technology Awards will be given in 2006. Each recipient will receive a commemorative pin and award certificate. The school of each recipient also will receive a certificate honouring the school's role in fostering teaching excellence. Recipients will be announced in May 2006. Award recipients will be honoured at a dinner and ceremony in Calgary on May 6, 2006.