This release was issued under a previous government.

Albertans are encouraged to nominate teachers and principals for an Excellence in Teaching Award for their exceptional work with K-12 students in Alberta classrooms. Nominations for the 2012 Excellence in Teaching Awards must be submitted to Alberta Education by February 3.

“Teachers and principals are inspiring our children and making a difference in their lives every day,” said Education Minister Thomas Lukaszuk. “The Excellence in Teaching Awards is a great opportunity for parents, students and teacher colleagues to show their support and appreciation for educators in their communities.”

From the eligible nominations received, approximately 130 semi-finalists will be selected. Twenty of those semi-finalists will receive Provincial Excellence in Teaching Awards and three will receive SMART Technologies Innovative Use of Technology Awards.

“After teaching for seven years, being nominated meant the world to me,” said Sarah L’Hoir, a 2011 award recipient who teaches at St. Clement Elementary & Junior High School in Edmonton. “You don’t know how much you’re appreciated in the education field until someone comes up to you and says ‘Would you accept a nomination?’. It meant a lot to me and it still does.”

Nomination packages in both English and French are available at www.education.alberta.ca/teachers/excellence.aspx. This website also includes details of eligibility and selection criteria. The 23 award recipients will be formally honoured at a dinner and ceremony with the Education Minister on May 26 in Calgary.

Alberta Education administers the 24th annual Excellence in Teaching Awards with the support of the Alberta School Boards’ Association, the Alberta School Councils’ Association, the Alberta Teachers’ Association, the Association of Alberta Deans of Education, the College of Alberta School Superintendents, the Council on Alberta Teaching Standards, the Edmonton Journal and SMART Technologies.

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Media inquiries may be directed to:

Tim Chamberlin
Communications
Alberta Education
780-644-6821
[email protected]

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.