Steinbach MLA and Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced that nominations are now being accepted for the 2020-21 Manitoba’s Excellence in Education Awards to recognize achievements in education.

“As we mark World Teachers’ Day today, it’s important to take the time to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary effort of Manitoba’s outstanding educators,” said Goertzen. “The Excellence in Education Awards provide a chance to thank Manitoba teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students. I want to thank our teachers for the work they do, now more than ever, to support our children and ensure they can succeed.”

The province is now accepting nominations to recognize outstanding achievement in education. Awards will be presented in the following categories:

  • teaching excellence (three awards);
  • outstanding new teacher (one award);
  • outstanding team collaboration (one award);
  • outstanding school leader (one award); and
  • Premier’s Award for Excellence in Education (one award).

Parents, students, school trustees, teachers and school or school division administrators are invited to make submissions by the Dec. 2 deadline. Nominees must be educators who hold a valid, permanent Manitoba teaching certificate at the time of nomination. They must also work directly with kindergarten to Grade 12 students in a school setting on a daily basis.

The selection committee includes representatives from Manitoba Education, Manitoba School Boards Association, Manitoba Association of Parent Councils and Manitoba Federation of Independent Schools.

“Despite these unprecedented times, many educators are having a profound impact on student learning and engagement,” said Goertzen. “We hope the educational community responds to this call for nominations and takes the opportunity to recognize the individual efforts and contributions of these outstanding educators.”

Information on past recipients and on the nomination process, including selection criteria and required forms, can be found at edu.gov.mb.ca. Each award recipient will receive $500 and a framed certificate.