The member fosters a school climate where all students feel respected, accepted, and safe, regardless of their cultural background, gender, or specific needs. They also emphasize the importance of the French language, encouraging its use and inspiring pride in this cultural heritage.

The member implements initiatives or educational practices that encourage a healthy balance between schoolwork and personal well-being. They nurture kind and respectful relationships with colleagues, parents, and community members, thereby strengthening a spirit of collaboration.

The member develops activities and projects that promote empathy, cooperation, respect, and solidarity among students, encouraging them to care for each other and the broader school community.

The member handles behavior in a compassionate and constructive way, prioritizing dialogue, mediation, and restorative approaches that promote natural justice and reconciliation.

Anyone can make a nomination. A current or former student, parent, teacher, co-worker, administrator, or member of the community.

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

Nominations are open to all AEFO members 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 nominees contact details, job title, primary workplace address, school board, and email address.
• Examples showing how the nominee has exemplified kindness in their school 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 committee, the winner will be contacted in June and 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: The selected winner (and their nominators) will be required to sign a publicity release and participate in a video. 

The winner will be 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.

To ensure that your nomination is completed correctly, please read these helpful tips.

1. Notify your nominee before you make a nomination.
2. Gather all required information for the nomination, such as your nomination's contact information, additional references, and any other supporting material.
3. Make sure you answer all the questions and provide as many examples as possible.