Premier Horgan announces awards for excellence in education

John Horgan

NOMINATIONS opened on Monday for the new Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education, an opportunity to recognize the enormous contributions of education professionals who go above and beyond to make life better for students in British Columbia.

“B.C.’s talented teachers, administrators and support workers deserve to be honoured and celebrated for the important work they do,” said Premier John Horgan. “We are focused on investing in British Columbia’s education system, and developing new relationships with our education partners that are built on trust and respect.”

Horgan’s announcement kicked off B.C. Education Week, April 23-27. The week includes students, teachers, staff and parents participating in a variety of activities celebrating the innovative approach to learning that occurs in their respective schools and communities.

“We hope community members throughout B.C. will take the time to nominate education professionals who have made a positive difference in their own lives, or those of their children or grandchildren,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Education. “Highly skilled and innovative teachers, administrators, principals, vice-principals and support workers – who operate school buses safely, help our kids read and keep schools clean and well maintained – deserve acknowledgement for their dedication to helping students succeed.”

The Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education will honour the achievements of public, independent and First Nations school-system teachers, principals, vice-principals, administrators and support staff. Awards will be given out in nine categories, ranging from community engagement to Indigenous education. Nominations will be accepted until June 18.

“B.C.’s 43,000 public school teachers all work hard every day to create safe, fun and enriched learning environments for all our students,” said Glen Hansman, President of the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation. “We are teachers, mentors, coaches, club sponsors and much more. It’s very encouraging to have a government that emphasizes its respect for teachers, and the incredibly valuable work all educators do in our schools and communities.”

Shortlisted nominees will be announced in late August. Finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony at Government House in Victoria on World Teachers’ Day, October 5. Horgan and Fleming will be in attendance. Winners will receive a $3,000 personal bursary for professional learning, and a $2,000 contribution to their school community for professional learning.

“CUPE BC represents more than 27,000 education workers who work in B.C.’s K-12 education system,” said Paul Faoro, President of CUPE BC. “I’m pleased the new government has established a category of awards to recognize the important work our members do making public schools welcoming, inclusive and safe.”

To nominate an education professional, go to: www.gov.bc.ca/excellenceineducation

 

Quick Facts:

* There are approximately 70,000 B.C. teaching certificate holders (i.e. teachers, administrators, principals, vice-principals) and 34,000 unionized support staff in B.C.

* Nine awards are available.

– Teacher award categories include community engagement, outstanding new teacher, technology and innovation, diversity and inclusion, Indigenous education, social equity and extracurricular leadership.

– A school and district leadership award is open to principals, vice-principals and administrators.

– An outstanding support award is open to support staff (including bus drivers, crossing guards, student supervisors, education assistants, Indigenous support workers, custodians, maintenance workers and those completing clerical functions).