About the Award
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.
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.
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.
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.
Applying again? We ask that past applicants complete the Stage 1 application form from scratch. If you would like a copy of your previous application for reference or any feedback on your past submission, please contact us.
Questions?
Please contact Brooke Campbell at bcampbell@canadashistory.ca with any questions regarding your submission.
Governor General's History Award for Excellence in Teaching
About the Award
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.
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.
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.
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.
Applying again? We ask that past applicants complete the Stage 1 application form from scratch. If you would like a copy of your previous application for reference or any feedback on your past submission, please contact us.
Questions?
Please contact Brooke Campbell at bcampbell@canadashistory.ca with any questions regarding your submission.