Anyone can make a nomination. A current or former student, caregiver, teacher, or co-worker may wish to recognize outstanding efforts by nominating an education worker.

Self-nominations or nominations of family members will not be accepted.

Nominations are open to all education workers who are insured by OTIP or are a member of an employee benefits plan that is administered by OTIP, and work in one of Ontario's public, Catholic or francophone school boards.

Read the award rules and regulations for more information.

To make a nomination, complete the online nomination form.

Before you begin, please gather the following required information:

• The education worker’s contact details, job title, primary workplace address, school board, and email address.
• Examples showing how the nominee has contributed to student success and to the broader school or education community.
• Two supporting references (from parents, teachers, students, or administrators). Please request reference letters in an electronic format so they can be copied and pasted into the nomination form, and include contact information for each reference.
• Any additional supporting materials you wish to submit, such as photos, videos, or PDF documents. Supporting materials will be accepted until March 31, 2026.

References may include colleagues, students, parents, school administrators, or community members who can speak to the nominee’s positive impact. Two references are required.

Selected by a panel of OTIP judges, winners are hosted at an award ceremony in Toronto, Ontario where they are recognized for their outstanding contributions and presented with a personal award of $1,000 and a Certificate of Recognition.

NOTE: Selected winners and their nominators will be asked to sign a publicity release and take part in photography or video content related to the awards. 

Winners are announced on otip.com in the fall.

If your nominee is selected as the award recipient, they will be contacted before the end of June.