THE AWARD
In the ever-changing world of education, the European Innovative Teaching Award aims to value the work of teachers and educators in the process of shaping the Europeans of tomorrow by making use of innovative, interactive, and inclusive teaching and learning practices. The European Innovative Teaching Award recognises also the contribution of the Erasmus+ programme to the European Education Area and the importance of cooperation and networking of schools across Europe.
In its fourth edition, a total of 96 projects received the European Innovative Teaching Award in 4 categories:
- Early childhood education and care
- Primary education
- Secondary education
- Vocational education and training schools
The thematic area chosen for this year’s edition of the Award is "Wellbeing at school”. Wellbeing in education is crucial for fostering the emotional, social, cognitive and personal development of learners at all ages from early childhood to old age. Through increased self-awareness, self-management, and self-esteem, personal growth and resilience are nourished that will accompany learners on their journey through life.
The selected projects cover a broad spectrum of topics: social and emotional education, mental health literacy, anti-bullying strategies, wellbeing and digital technologies, teachers’ wellbeing, importance of physical and outdoor activities, enhanced capacity to make healthy choices, and the creation of supportive school and classroom environments that foster positive relationships, collaboration, learning, and personal development. They also connect with the European Commission’s work on this theme, in particular the recent guidelines for policymakers and schools aimed at addressing wellbeing and mental health.
With the European Innovative Teaching Award, the European Commission rewards the great work, care and passion of teachers in European schools.
PROJECT CATEGORIES
In this year's edition, the European Innovative Teaching Award spotlights 17 outstanding educational projects within the "Early childhood education and care" category. Wellbeing in the early years of education is crucial as it supports emotional, social, and cognitive development, forming the foundation for lifelong learning, resilience, and overall health.contemporary teaching and learning approaches employed by educators in nurseries and kindergartens.
In this edition, the European Innovative Teaching Award honours 27 school projects in the field of "primary education". Integrating wellbeing into primary education is essential as it enhances students' emotional resilience, social skills, and readiness to learn, leading to better academic outcomes and a positive school experience.
In 2024, the category of "secondary education" encompasses 31 projects spanning across Europe. In secondary education, wellbeing is linked to academic success and personal growth. It can be enhanced. This helps adolescents navigate academic challenges and develop essential life skills.
In vocational education and training, wellbeing is crucial as it boosts motivation, engagement, and performance, helping individuals manage stress, build resilience, and develop the skills needed for both professional success and personal satisfaction. Explore the 21 awarded projects this year and find inspiration!
POLICY INFORMATION
The European Innovative Teaching Award was conceived as an endeavour to value the passion and care of teachers and students in the European education systems by setting 5 key objectives:
1. SHOWCASE
Identifying and promoting innovative teaching and learning practices.
2. ACKNOWLEDGE
Celebrating the achievements of teachers and schools by giving credit to their work, thus raising the prestige of the teaching profession.
3. EMPOWER
Making the award an opportunity for mutual learning by promoting professional excellence, networking, communities of practices, and learning mobility abroad.
4. PROMOTE
Highlighting the value of the Erasmus+ programme to European teacher collaboration and the establishment of the European Education Area.
5. BRAND
Building a recognisable and distinguishable brand of the new European Innovative Teaching Award.