Manitoba Opens Nominations for 2025-26 Education Excellence Awards

The Manitoba government has officially opened nominations for the 2025-26 Excellence in Education Awards, aimed at recognizing teachers and school leaders who demonstrate exceptional commitment to student success. This initiative highlights the crucial role educators play in shaping both the future of children and the broader community.

Tracy Schmidt, the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning, stated, “Educators play a vital role in shaping the future of our children and our communities. These awards honour the dedication, creativity, and leadership of teachers and school leaders who go above and beyond to help students succeed.”

Categories and Eligibility Criteria

The awards consist of five distinct categories: the Teaching Excellence Award, the Outstanding New Teacher Award, the Outstanding Team Collaboration Award, the Outstanding School Leader Award, and the prestigious Premier’s Award for Excellence in Education. The Premier’s Award is particularly noteworthy, as it is selected from nominees in the other four categories and is given to an educator whose influence extends beyond the classroom to benefit the entire school community.

To qualify for nomination, applicants must hold a valid, permanent Manitoba teaching certificate and work directly with students from kindergarten to Grade 12 in a school setting. School leaders eligible for nomination must serve as principals or vice-principals. Nominations can be submitted by various stakeholders, including parents, students, teachers, school trustees, or division administrators.

The awards aim to recognize those who demonstrate innovation in teaching, foster supportive learning environments through collaboration, and inspire both students and colleagues with their leadership. Past awardees have been celebrated for their creative classroom programs, commitment to inclusion, and long-term dedication to enhancing student learning.

Nomination Process and Timeline

Nominations will be accepted until December 4, 2025, with recipients to be honoured at a ceremony scheduled for spring 2026. Each award winner will receive a certificate of recognition and a monetary award acknowledging their significant contributions to Manitoba’s education system. Interested individuals are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and submit their nominations before the deadline.

The launch of these awards coincides with World Teachers’ Day, celebrated annually on October 5 since 1994. This day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Education International to honour teachers globally for their essential role in education and community development.

Schmidt reiterated the Manitoba government’s commitment to recognizing educators’ efforts and supporting their roles in shaping future generations. “These awards are one way to say thank you to those who dedicate their lives to education,” she emphasized.

For detailed information on eligibility, nomination forms, and selection criteria, interested parties can visit the official Manitoba government education website at www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/excellence. Winners will be publicly celebrated at the official ceremony in spring 2026, reflecting the province’s dedication to excellence in education.