Award Criteria

The awards recognize teachers who:

• use innovative teaching methods, design creative programs and develop exciting learning experiences for Ontario students;
• make a difference in students' lives by engaging them in the process of learning and create enthusiasm for learning by raising their sights, broadening their horizons and enhancing their learning potential;
• demonstrate understanding and integration of community diversity into classroom practices;
• encourage the sharing of community and individual resources in the schools of our province; and
• demonstrate a personal commitment to personal lifelong learning.

Nominated teachers will demonstrate the skills and characteristics indicated within those criteria.

In addition, the individual prize for a beginning teacher will consider:

• willingness to learn, and develop, as well as, to seek advice from colleagues and act upon it.

Every teacher nominated receives a certificate of nomination.

The OTF Awards Committee will review the nominations and develop a short list to be considered by the OTIP Awards Jury. The Committee uses the above criteria to assess each nomination. Be sure you address the criteria in your nomination.

You can also nominate in the Toronto Star Teacher Awards and the Prix d'enseignement TFO.

Each teacher honoured as the award recipient will receive $1,000 and a special certificate.  The teacher's school receives the same award package.

The award recipients will come to Toronto for the awards ceremony.