The PHE Canada National Award for Teaching Excellence in Physical and Health Education honours Canadian teachers at the elementary, middle, or secondary levels, who have an exceptional ability to motivate students to engage meaningfully in their journey through physical and/or health literacy with thoughtful and inspiring teaching practices and pedagogy, exemplifying high quality Physical and/or Health Education in Canada.
Nomination Period
The 2023-2024 nomination period has closed, thank you for your interest. Please check back in October 2024.
Number of Awards
Up to fifteen (15) recipients are selected for this award each conference cycle.
Who may Nominate?
Anyone may nominate an individual, group, or organization for this award. This includes provincial/territorial physical and health education association members, PHE Canada and Provincial/Territorial Association staff, public health professionals, colleagues, parents, students, or any individual wishing to highlight the exceptional work of an individual, group or organization implementing a Health Promoting Schools program. Nominations from underrepresented groups are encouraged.
Eligibility
To be eligible to receive the National Award for Teaching Excellence in Physical and Health Education, a nominee must meet the following requirements:
- Teaching responsibility for physical and/or health education in one or more grades from kindergarten to grade 12/CEGEP.
- Candidate may be in early, mid, or late career.
- Full time teaching at time of application submission & selection with a minimum of 50% of the teaching responsibilities in Health and/or Physical Education.
- The candidate must not be a previous PHE National Award for Teaching Excellence recipient or have previously received the National Award for Teaching Excellence in Physical and/or Health Education.
The nomination form must be completed and submitted with:
- three nominators listed;
- biographical sketch of the nominee that is 250-300 words in length;
- 500-word description of:
- Nominees teaching practices and pedagogy including assessment practices;
- Description of high quality Physical or Health programs delivered by the nominee;
- Professional Development.
- 100-word synopsis of accomplishments;
- two (2) one-page letters of reference that speak specifically to the evaluation criteria.
Selection Criteria
- The nominee conducts a quality physical and/or health education program as reflected in PHE Canada’s definition and the provincial curriculum.
- The nominee has established a balanced program that includes a wide range of learning opportunities, a variety of teaching methodologies, utilizes assessment for and of learning, and provides innovative, engaging learning experiences.
- The nominee provides meaningful learning experiences for students in physical and/or health education and supports and encourages students to actively engage in their life long journey through physical and/or health literacy.
- The nominee participates in professional development opportunities related to the teaching of physical and/or health education and also shares their expertise with colleagues locally, regionally, provincially or nationally.
- The package must be supported with a biographical sketch and two (2) letters of reference that speak specifically to the above criteria.
Selection Process
During each award cycle, PHE Canada shall determine an appropriate nomination deadline. Nomination forms should be submitted online, with accompanying documentation submitted electronically, by fax or by mail. All components of the award must be received by the deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
PHE Canada will review each nomination package for completeness and eligibility, and will forward nominations to the PHE Canada Awards Committee who will select recipients.
Other selection considerations include:
- Consideration will be given to balancing the National Award for Teaching Excellence in Physical and Health Education across the country.
- PHE Canada is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the award selection process.
Award Presentation and Benefits
National Award for Teaching Excellence in Physical Education recipients receive:
- Award recognition plaque
- Recognition in the Annual Report and on the website
- Recognition during the next PHE Canada National Conference
- Complimentary registration at the next PHE Canada National Conference (travel and accommodations are not included)