News Release


Who Are Ontario's Top Educators?

McGuinty Government Celebrating Excellence in Education

October 24, 2008

Nominations are open for the Premier's Awards for Teaching Excellence. Starting today, parents, students, educators and community members can nominate an outstanding educator or support staff member for an award.

The third year of this successful awards program was launched today at Goderich District Collegiate Institute in Goderich. This is one of several schools visited by Education Minister Kathleen Wynne today.

Every day, school and school board staff motivate, support and inspire Ontario's students to reach their full potential. The Premier's Awards for Teaching Excellence are a great way to recognize those individuals who make a difference in education.

There are six award categories:

  1. Teacher of the Year
  2. New Teacher of the Year
  3. Excellent Support Staff
  4. Excellence in Leadership
  5. Lifetime Achievement
  6. Team of the Year

Quotes

"Educators and support staff are dedicated to making sure students thrive in our schools each day. These awards show our appreciation for all the outstanding work they do," said Education Minister Kathleen Wynne.

"Being recognized with a Premier's Award was a humbling experience – it gave staff and students a chance to celebrate our accomplishments as a school community," said Nathan Tidridge, 2008 recipient of a Premier's Award for Teaching Excellence for Teacher of the Year.

"Nominating someone for an award honours not only the nominee but also our surrounding community – because a successful educator is representative of a strong support network of colleagues, parents and students," said Carol Mitchell, MPP for Huron-Bruce.

Quick Facts

  • The nomination deadline is January 31, 2009.
  • Over the last two years more than 2,000 nominations have been received and more than 30 educators and support staff have been recognized with this prestigious award.
  • Information kits will be sent to every publicly funded school in Ontario.

Learn More

Find out how you can nominate someone and download a nomination package.

See also: