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, fill out the online nomination form.

Be sure to collect all required information before you start filling in the form, including:

• The nominees contact information, job title, address of primary employment, school board, and email.
• Examples of how the nominee exemplifies kindness in their school community.
• Two additional references from parents, teachers, students or education support workers who will provide their support for the nomination. Be sure to ask for letters of reference in an electronic format, so you can copy and paste into the nomination form and include contact information for your references.
• Any other supporting materials you wish to provide, such as photos, videos, or PDF documents.

Anyone can be a reference. You may choose a parent, teacher, student or education support worker who will provide support for the nomination.

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.

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.