New award created to honour teaching excellence

The McGuinty government is launching a new award that will recognize teaching excellence at Ontario’s colleges and universities.

“Our government is committed to promoting teaching excellence at our colleges and universities by rewarding the teaching efforts of faculty who go the extra mile to provide students with an outstanding learning experience,” said Chris Bentley, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities at the recent announcement.

Up to 100 of Ontario’s best faculty will be honoured each year with the Leadership in Faculty Teaching Award. Winners will receive a total of $20,000 over two years to encourage continued excellence in the classroom setting.

The government is investing $1 million this year and in each subsequent year $2 million from its Reaching Higher plan that celebrates excellence in teaching at postsecondary institutions.

The first province-wide award of its kind, the LIFT Award will complement the awards programs that already exist at many colleges and universities. The government will be consulting with stakeholders to develop criteria for the award and the nomination process. Details will be available later in the year.