OTTAWA (October 20, 2011) – Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright encourages constituents to consider nominating an educator for the 2011-2012 Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence and for Excellence in Early Childhood Education.
“These Awards demonstrate our government’s recognition of those who help Canadian youth obtain the knowledge and skills they need to reach their full potential,” explains Benoit. “We all know that teachers play a key role in shaping the next generation of scientists, entrepreneurs, astronauts and future educators and 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.
There are 90 Prime Minister’s Awards being offered to educators across Canada, with 65 Awards for Teaching Excellence (15 Certificates of Excellence and 50 Certificates of Achievement) and 25 Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education (10 Certificates of Excellence and 15 Certificates of Achievement) available, as well as a new award being offered to a full-time Early Childhood Education Director. This year the Canadian Space Agency will be sponsoring an award for a space educator 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. Awards are worth up to $5000 and national winners participate in an all expenses paid trip to Ottawa.
“We have some amazing teachers in Vegreville-Wainwright,” states Benoit. “I encourage everyone to consider nominating an educator who has made a difference in their, or their children’s, lives.”
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.
Nominations for both sets of awards close on November 30, 2011.
For more information like specific nomination package guidelines and eligibility requirements, and downloadable nomination forms, please visit www.pma.gc.ca or email pmaece-ppmepe@gc.ca or call 613-946-0651
