On behalf of President Susan Tighe, the Office of the Vice-Provost, Teaching & Learning is pleased to invite nominations for the 2026 President’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teaching & Learning.
Award Description
The President’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teaching & Learning is the highest honour for teaching excellence at McMaster University. It recognizes the contributions of an individual or group to education through innovation, excellence in teaching, and enhanced student learning. Winners receive a citation of excellence shared at Convocation, a $3,000 honorarium, an inscription on a plaque, and an invitation to the President’s Retreat.
Outstanding contributions to teaching and learning may be demonstrated by evidence of the intellectual growth of students that results from innovative teaching in the classroom, the mentorship of students through involvement in research or practical experience, the development of novel and effective educational materials, or forms of educational leadership that promote teaching and learning within and beyond McMaster. An outstanding educator should also continue to hone their expertise through professional learning and development.
How to Nominate an Educator
If you know an outstanding educator who ensures students have positive and effective learning experiences, please consider nominating them for this award.
To initiate a nomination, the nominator must submit a two-page nomination brief and the nominee’s abridged CV to the Microsoft Form by 31 October 2025.
A shortlist of nominees will be approved by early December to advance to Stage 2. These nominees will develop a 35-page awards portfolio, due to the Office of the Vice-Provost, Teaching & Learning by 27 February 2026.
Further information about eligibility, the nomination brief, and the awards portfolio is available on our website.
Support and Inquiries
For questions about the timeline, eligibility, and adjudication, please contact Grants and Awards Specialist Sam Clarke.
For support with developing a nomination brief or awards portfolio, please contact Educational Developer Jenny Blaney.