Calls for nominations on World Teachers’ Day
 
OTTAWA  (8 October 2010)  –  Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright, is pleased to inform constituents about the 2010 Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence and for Excellence in Early Childhood Education.

“These Awards demonstrate our government’s commitment to those who help young people obtain the knowledge and skills they need to reach their full potential,” explains Benoit. “This year, a new Space Award is being introduced which will recognize those who inspire young people to learn about science and space.”

“We all know that teachers play a key role in shaping the next generation of scientists, entrepreneurs, astronauts and future educators,” said Benoit. “It is an honour to recognize their contribution to our youth and celebrate their outstanding achievements.”

The Prime Minister’s Awards for both teaching and early childhood education underscore the government’s commitment to outstanding Canadian educators. This includes disciplines at all grade levels, from early learning and child care to secondary school. Award recipients are leaders and innovators, developing creative and effective ways to help students learn and excel — ranging from innovative approaches in early childhood development to exceptional use of information and communication technologies in the classroom.

“Preparing today’s children for success in the digital economy and tomorrow’s society is incredibly important, and all teachers are making an important contribution toward that goal,” said Benoit.

Up to 90 Prime Minister’s Awards are being offered to educators across Canada, with up to 65 Awards for Teaching Excellence (15 Certificates of Excellence and 50 Certificates of Achievement) and up to 25 Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education (10 Certificates of Excellence and 15 Certificates of Achievement) available. Under the Teaching Excellence awards, the Space Award will be presented to a top-ranked teacher (or a teaching team not exceeding 3) who has demonstrated outstanding, innovative and creative teaching in the areas of space sciences, technology, engineering and/or mathematics in a grade K to 12 setting.

Nominators may be any person or group with direct knowledge of the nominee’s contribution. Self-nominations or nominations from direct family will not be considered.

 
Specific nomination package guidelines and eligibility requirements are to be found at www.pma.gc.ca.

Nominations for both sets of awards close on November 30, 2010. The Prime Minister’s Awards of Excellence will be presented at a ceremony in Ottawa next spring.

For more information, and downloadable nomination forms, please visit
www.pma.gc.ca  or email pmaece-ppmepe@gc.ca or call 613-946-0651