Governor General's History Award for Excellence in Teaching

Introduction

The Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching was created in 1996 to recognize innovative and impactful approaches to teaching Canadian history. The award places a spotlight on teachers that foster a deep understanding of the past and actively engage students in historical work through meaningful projects and initiatives.

Teachers working directly with students in a K-12 classroom setting are invited to submit their best history project for consideration of the award. Projects can take place as part of any subject, as long as there is a significant component of Canadian history.

“The Governor General's History Award for Excellence in Teaching is an absolute honour. The history and the stories of Canada's past is as diverse and fascinating as its people; the history of all Canadians is valuable and worth telling.” 
— L. Andrea Izzo, 2023 recipient

Application Process

New for 2024 — Canada’s History is testing a two-stage application process for the Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching.

The Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching follows a two-stage application process. Applicants should select one project to submit in consideration for the award. Please ensure that you have read the full award criteria and application requirements before completing the Stage 1 application form.

Applications will be completed on our external awards site. For your reference, you can find a full list of the questions asked in Stages 1 and 2 here.

Stage 1:

We invite all interested teachers to complete the Stage 1 application form to provide an overview of an original project they have developed for their students. Candidates will be asked to respond to short answer questions to describe the project and student activities.

Canada’s History staff will review all Stage 1 submissions and select a shortlist of candidates to advance to Stage 2. The number of candidates selected to advance will depend on the number of submissions received.

Stage 2:

Select candidates will be invited to advance to Stage 2, which is the final step in the application process. Candidates will be asked to respond to additional questions regarding their project and provide following supplemental material:

• Project overview that includes learning objectives, description of student activities, and outcomes
• At least three (3) samples of student work that show evidence of student thinking and application of learning
• Assessment document that includes student success criteria, as well as an assessment rubric
• Two (2) letters of reference

An external committee will review the applications submitted as part of Stage 2 and select the final recipients.

Applicants are encouraged to reach out to Canada’s History staff if they require accommodation during the application process.

Timeline

February 12: Applications launch
April 10: Stage 1 deadline
May: Candidates selected to advance to Stage 2 notified
June 15: Stage 2 deadline
July – August: Final review and selection
September: Recipients contacted; a public announcement will follow at a later date

Nominations

Canada’s History maintains a nomination form as a way for the public to highlight potential candidates for the award. Nominations are accepted year-round. Canada’s History will review nominations as they are received and contact eligible candidates with more information about the application process. Candidates do not need to receive an outside nomination in order to complete the Stage 1 application form. If a candidate is nominated after the award deadline, Canada’s History will retain their info and contact them closer to the next intake.

Eligibility

• Teachers must be residents of Canada
• Teachers must work in a K-12 classroom during the current school year and teach units or full courses that include a significant component of Canadian history
• Team submissions of up to three co-applicants in total are eligible, provided that all applicants meet the above eligibility. If a team submission is named as one of the recipients, the prizing will be divided among the co-applicants  

Criteria

Applications will be assessed on the following criteria. Appropriate consideration will be given to the context in which the project is taking place, including language of instruction, learning environment, and grade level.

Teachers must demonstrate that their teaching has an impact and that:

• Students are actively engaged in their learning and have opportunities for authentic learning (by engaging with community members or presenting their learning outside of the classroom setting, for example).

• Students are required to learn and apply both knowledge and historical thinking skills in their study.

• Students are introduced to a variety of historical sources and forms of evidence and are encouraged to consider diverse perspectives, where applicable. When evaluating sources, students are encouraged to consider perspective, audience, and intent, and to question gaps in historical evidence.

• Students experience a variety of teaching and assessment strategies, resources, and materials.

• Students are encouraged to consider broad themes, events, and trends in Canadian history.

• Students are encouraged to consider how Canada’s past connects with its present and future.

• Students gain a better knowledge and understanding of Canada as a whole, so that even a local or a regional study teaches them something about the nature and history of Canadian society in general.

Project Guidelines

The award aims to recognize a wide variety of projects and initiatives. However, we encourage teachers to consider the following guidelines when selecting a project to submit as part of their award application:

• Projects may take place as part of any classroom subject, but they must include a considerable component of Canadian history.
• Projects should be substantial in scope and take place over multiple weeks.
• Projects should have sufficient student work and output, ideally through a culminating product that shows evidence of student research, thinking, and application of learning.
• Projects should be developed uniquely by applicants for their students or have a unique or innovative element.

Should teachers be invited to advance to Stage 2 application process, they will be required to submit the following documentation:

• Project overview: This should clearly describe the project goals, student activities, and outcomes
• At least three (3) comprehensive samples of student work that show evidence of student thinking and application of learning
• Assessment document that includes student success criteria, as well as an assessment rubric
• Two (2) letters of reference

Evaluation

Applications are evaluated based on the award criteria, with consideration given to the applicant’s context, including school environment, grade level, and language of instruction. An external committee of qualified teachers, past recipients, and professors will review the final submissions. All decisions made by the review committee are final. Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to request feedback on their submission and reapply in the future.

Prizing

Six recipients will receive:

• $1000 for their school
• $2500 individual cash prize
• A medal
• Travel and accommodations for two from a major city to attend the award ceremony

Team submissions of up to three co-applicants in total are eligible for the award. In the event a team submission is named recipient, the cash prizing will be divided among the co-applicants.