Call for Innovators Award Nominations

Deadline for Award Submissions: April 22nd, 2025, 11:59 PM (EST)

The SALTISE “Best Practices & Pedagogical Innovators Award” recognizes educators and pedagogical counsellors/educational developers who stand out as leaders in the promotion of academic excellence, use of innovative pedagogies, and support of their academic communities.

Four Awards are available:

• Best Practices & Pedagogical Innovators Award for College Instructors
• Best Practices & Pedagogical Innovators Award for University Instructors
• Best Practices & Pedagogical Innovators Award for Pedagogical Counsellors or Educational Developers – College Level
• Best Practices & Pedagogical Innovators Award for Pedagogical Counsellors or Educational Developers – University Level

College instructors – This award recognizes college educators who are pedagogy innovators focused on motivating students to learn by using evidence-based pedagogy to implement active learning approaches in their classrooms. They also contribute to the development of this approach through initiatives in their local setting, including providing workshops, talks, etc., to build and contribute to their institution and beyond.

University instructors – This award honors University instructors who are exceptional in advancing academic achievement, utilizing cutting-edge teaching methods, and assisting their academic communities. A pedagogical innovator inspires students to achieve, applies evidence-based pedagogy to incorporate active learning strategies in their classroom, and advances this approach through local initiatives, such as offering workshops, talks, and other events, in order to create and support a community of practice.

Pedagogical Counsellors * (College Level) – This college level award is for Ped counselors who not only facilitate communication between educators and students, but also foster relationships between educators and other members of their institution. In an advisory role, a Ped Counsellor will work with faculty, staff, and other College stakeholders to offer guidance and training on pedagogical matters, including course design and curriculum, program revision and evaluation, techno-pedagogical strategies, and best practices in teaching and learning.

Educational Developers * (University Level) – This university level award is for education developers who pursue teaching excellence, through establishing relationships with faculty and students to create opportunities for professional skill development related to pedagogy and teaching approaches. In addition they promote an excellence culture in teaching and learning and collaborate with teachers across all disciplines and departments. They also frame their work with a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusivity.

Awards will be presented at the SALTISE 2025 conference in June.

Award Criteria

Eligibility – Instructors, Pedagogical Counsellors*, or Educational Developers* must be from a Quebec CÉGEP/college or university, English or French, public or private. Part-time instructors are also eligible. This includes: Instructional Designers/Developers, Teaching Consultants, Curriculum Developers, Learning Experience Designers, Online Course Designers, Academic Associates

Your Nominee…

• Uses or promotes active engagement and/or student-centered pedagogical model to foster deep learning and understanding
• Makes a special contribution to their department, program, faculty or institution and/or to the educational community within their local network (e.g., gives workshops, presents at conferences, heads up pedagogical communities of practice) • Designs effective and innovative pedagogical and/or technology-based activities that support students learning
• Is a role model and an inspiration to their local educational community
• Is committed to their own professional development and that of others, eg, offers support through peer-mentorships and other peer coaching opportunities.

Nomination submission information required:

• Name of nominee
• Institution, Department and/or Program
• If the faculty member represents a group, please provide the names of the other group members
• A brief abstract (250 words) describing why the nominee deserves this award. If your nominee is chosen the abstract will be published in the conference program.
• Your name and contact information
• Optional though recommended (upload): One other letter of support from faculty, staff or administrator (same length). If a student is making the nomination, an accompanying letter from the institution would add to the nomination.

Applications can be written in English or French.