Celebration of Excellence 

Every year, the Faculty of Education hosts two Celebrations of Excellence. Students who are nominated for a Certificate of Excellence, from all the 100- thorugh 400-level Education courses, are recognized for qualities such as learning, leadership, and professionalism as pre-service teachers. We encourage all instructors to take a moment to nominate their students.

What are the criteria?

Certificates of Excellence recognize undergraduate students who show an outstanding commitment to their learning as pre-service teachers. These students demonstrate enthusiasm for learning, contribute to developing community in their class through inclusivity and welcoming diversity, extend learning from class time by returning to subsequent classes with new ideas/questions, develop emergent leadership in small groups, ask thought-provoking questions in class, act professionally by being prepared for and attending classes consistently, etc. Academic achievement could be considered, but this honour is not meant to recognize the highest grades.

How do you nominate students?

Just after final grades are submitted, an email will be sent to instructors that invites them to submit their student nominations. Please watch out for this email and submit your nominations by the due date. Completing the form should just take 5 minutes. Identify up to a maximum of 10% of your class to nominate based on the criteria above. Next, collect the following information for each nominee: first name, last name, email address, and student ID. Our goal is to receive nominations for all our undergraduate classes! 

What is the Celebration?

The Celebration of Excellence is an informal reception with a short program for instructors and the student recipients. Celebrations are held at the end of September and the end of January. Students will be invited to attend to pick up their Certificates and have their names read during a short program. Cake and refreshments will be served with time to chat with your students. Please mark the dates on your calendar and plan to attend – students love to see their instructors and thank them personally!

We appreciate your dedication to your students in supporting their growth as pre-service teachers. Thank you in advance for nominating your students. If you would like to participate in the planning or the event itself, please contact the Undergraduate Coordinator (janelle.mcfeetors@ualberta.ca).