What is the European Innovative Teaching Award?
In 2021, the European Innovative Teaching Award (EITA) was successfully launched as part of the European Education Area, recognising the work of teachers, trainers and educators (and their organisations) that make an exceptional contribution to the profession. By implementing Erasmus+ projects, they created innovative and inspiring teaching and learning practices. Since its creation, more than 500 outstanding Erasmus+ projects were honoured with this award.
What are the objectives of the European Innovative Teaching Award?
The EITA was created to:
- Celebrate the achievements of teachers and schools, raising the prestige of the teaching profession.
- Identify and promote innovative teaching and learning practices.
- Highlight the value of the Erasmus+ programme in supporting teacher collaboration and the European Education Area.
Which projects can be considered for the Award?
The Erasmus+ National Agencies choose the best Erasmus+ projects. They can either be projects under Key Action 1 Learning mobility of individuals or Key Action 2 Partnerships for cooperation. They need to be finalized.
When does it happen and how does the selection work?
The EITA is awarded annually. Each year, the award focuses on a specific theme aligned with the European Commission’s priorities.
The award is implemented in close cooperation with the network of Erasmus+ National Agencies, which play a pivotal role in identifying and selecting suitable projects. The National Agencies choose one of the following options for organising the selection process:
- Direct selection: Agencies choose winners based on eligibility and award criteria, using existing project information.
- Short-listing: Agencies screen eligible projects, request additional information from shortlisted candidates, and select winners.
- Open call: Agencies invite applications from eligible Erasmus+ projects, then select winners based on submissions.
To ensure the transparency of the process, the National Agency must publish the information on the selection process and the eligibility and award criteria on its website before the start of the selection process.
Winners are officially announced by the European Commission and celebrated at national and EU-level events.