FAQ

1. What makes a good nomination?

The nominations that make the greatest impact (whether written by a Grade 1 student or a university professor) are those that are written from the heart and clearly demonstrate how the nominee meets all the criteria.

Here are some hints about writing a nomination that will stand out:

When writing about excellence in teaching:

Make sure you thoroughly explain how the nominee has made a difference to you or someone you know. Give examples and don’t be afraid to write from your heart. Show how this educator has made a significant impact on your life or the life of someone you know.

How does the educator instil confidence in his/her learners? Is it their personality, teaching method, how they challenge their students, etc? Give examples of how they do this.

What techniques or teaching strategies does the educator use that is different from any other educator? How have these strategies made a difference in student learning?

When writing about the nominee being a positive role model and/or making a difference in someone’s life:

Again, write from the heart and give concrete examples of how the nominee meets the criteria. What have they done to be a positive influence on their learners? How have they made a difference in an individual student’s or group of students’ lives?

2. Does the number of nominations for an individual educator influence the selection committee’s decision?

The number of nominations received for any one educator is not factored into the selection process. One or two well written nominations make a bigger impact than numerous nominations. The committee that selects the 16 award recipients will be given a maximum of two nominations for any given nominee from which they will make their decisions.

3. Will any other supporting material be used to select the finalists and award recipients?

The selection committee will only see the nomination you have submitted. No other supporting information is used.

4. Should I include information about the nominee’s work outside of the education community in my submission?

Only examples of what the nominee does in their teaching environment should be used.

5. Will all nominees be informed that they have been nominated?

Due to the large number of nominations received, only those individuals selected as finalists will be contacted.

6. How will finalists be notified?

Finalists will be notified by their individual education institutions. This will happen in late March/early April. Once all finalists have been notified their names will be posted on the EduGala website.

An ONFE representative will connect with each of the finalists in April to provide them with details about the awards ceremony.

7. Will finalists be told who nominated them?

Finalists will be told who nominated them unless the nominator indicates that they wish to remain anonymous.

8. When will the award recipients be announced?

The award recipients will be announced at EduGala, the annual dinner and awards event to be held at Algonquin College on May 17, 2012.