Third annual awards honour B.C.’s finest education professionals

NOMINATIONS are open for the third annual Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education, a chance to recognize the British Columbian teachers, administrators and support workers who are making a positive impact on students and their school communities.

“We value the extraordinary commitment to excellence shown by B.C. education professionals who care for the well-being of all of their students,” said Premier John Horgan on Monday. “By offering this awards program for the last three years, we have been able to continue to shine an important light on the individuals who are working hard to make a difference in the lives of B.C. students and celebrate the incredible difference they are making every day.”

The government created the annual awards program in 2018 to honour the contributions of education professionals who go above and beyond to make life better for students in British Columbia. They are open to public, independent and First Nations school-system teachers, principals, vice-principals, administrators and support staff in the K-12 school system.

This year, six awards are open to any B.C. teacher certificate holder, two awards are open to any B.C. teacher certificate holder currently in a district or school leadership role and two awards are open to any support staff member.

“The teachers, administrators and support staff who have been honoured by the Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education are truly inspiring,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Education. “This awards program gives us an opportunity to celebrate the amazing things happening in classrooms throughout B.C. and the many ways students are benefiting from new ideas and approaches to K-12 education.”

Winners will receive a $3,000 personal bursary for professional learning, a $2,000 contribution to the winner’s school community for professional learning and a commemorative work of art designed by a B.C. student. Each runner up will receive a $1,000 personal bursary for professional learning and a $1,000 contribution to their school community for professional learning.

Nominations will be accepted until April 30. Finalists will be announced in May. Winners will be announced at an award ceremony in Victoria, timed with World Teachers’ Day in October.

Teri Mooring, President, British Columbia Teachers’ Federation, said: “British Columbia has a top-notch education system because of the committed, caring, and highly trained professionals who do their best to support each and every student. I’m very proud to represent B.C.’s 45,000 public school teachers who teach with so much heart and integrity. Teachers make a lasting, positive difference in the lives of students and I’m glad that important impact is being recognized.”

Paul Faoro, President, CUPE BC, said: “Even though this is the third year in a row that the Premier’s Education Awards have recognized the hard work and dedication of K-12 support workers, it still feels like a breath of fresh air to have a government that understands that a solid education experience can’t happen without strong supports throughout the system. We’re grateful to be recognized as a partner in education, and we’ll be encouraging our K-12 locals across the province to nominate outstanding CUPE members.”

Learn More:

To nominate an education professional for the 2020 Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/excellenceineducation

BACKGROUNDER

* 140 education professionals were nominated from throughout B.C. for the 2019 Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education.

* 10 awards were given out on October 4, 2019, at a ceremony at Government House in Victoria with Premier John Horgan, Minister of Education Rob Fleming and Lt. Gov. Janet Austin in attendance.

* There are approximately 72,000 B.C. teaching certificate holders (teachers, administrators, principals and vice-principals) and 38,000 support staff workers in B.C.

* 10 awards will be given out this year:
– Six awards are open to teachers: community engagement, extracurricular leadership, Indigenous education, outstanding new teacher, outstanding team collaboration, and social equity and diversity.

– One award is open to those in a school-based leadership role: school leadership.

– One award is open to those in a district leadership role: district leadership.

– Two awards are open to support staff: outstanding support – school community (including bus drivers, crossing guards, student supervisors, Indigenous cultural facilitators, custodians, maintenance/trade workers and those working in a clerical function); and outstanding support – teaching assistant (including educational assistants and Indigenous education support workers).