WHAT are the Premier’s Awards for Teaching Excellence?

• The Premier’s Awards for Teaching Excellence recognize outstanding B.C. teachers who have made exceptional contributions to benefit their school community and improve student achievement. The Premier’s Awards provide students, parents, teachers and other members of the community with an opportunity to celebrate educators who make a real difference in B.C. schools.

WHAT are the Eligibility Requirements?

A nominee must be an individual who:

• Currently teaches within the British Columbia K-12 public, independent, or band school systems.
• Taught courses of study authorized by the School Act and Independent School Act during the current school year.
• Works directly with students.

WHO can nominate teachers?

• Nominations are welcome from principals, teachers, administrators, superintendents, trustees, parents, students, community organizations, and other members of the community.
• Nominators must be permanent residents of British Columbia.

CAN the awards recipient from the previous year be renominated for the same award each year?

No, teachers who receive an award in a category are ineligible to receive another award in the same category. Unsuccessful nominees may be renominated in the subsequent year and successful nominees may be nominated for different awards categories.

I nominated someone last year, can I nominate the same person this year?

Yes, you can nominate someone for the same award category or a different one. You can use the same info but you must submit a new and updated nomination package.

WHAT are the different awards categories?

Awards will be presented for:

• Literacy
• Distributed Learning
• Healthy Living and/or Physical Education & Coaching
• School Leadership
• Aboriginal Learning
• Community Engagement
• Skills Training & Career Preparation
• Environmental Awareness
• Lifetime Achievement (20+ years)
• Beginning Teacher (0-5 years)

CAN teachers be nominated for an award in more than one category?

Yes, provided that completed and updated nomination packages are submitted for each category. If a person is nominated by more than one person, the first nomination package will be considered.

Can I submit my nomination by email or fax?

No, all submissions must be sent by mail or courier, as we require original signed copie by nominee, nominator, and letter writer for legal purposes.

WHERE and WHEN are award recipients announced?

• The annual Premier’s Teaching Excellence Awards event will take place in the Spring 2009.

HOW many teachers will be attending?

• Up to 20 Provincial awards recipients will be celebrated at a ceremony event at which time they will receive a certificate of achievement and $1,500 for professional development.

Up to 10 finalists in each category may also be selected and will receive a certificate of achievement.

WHO can I contact if I have further questions?

Questions regarding the Premier’s Awards for Teaching Excellence may be directed to:

Irene Guglielmi

Email: Irene.Guglielmi@gov.bc.ca

Phone: 250 952-6512