The objectives of the Award are to
- celebrate the achievements of teachers and schools and to give credit to their work
- identify and promote outstanding teaching and learning practices
- provide means for mutual learning and exchanges of innovative practices
- highlight the value of the Erasmus+ programme for collaboration between teachers at the European level and the establishment of the European Education Area
Similar to Erasmus+ Teacher Academies, this initiative supports teachers and trainers in their careers by innovative teaching methodologies, networking and peer learning for continuous professional development, as well as learning together through European cooperation projects.
Categories and selection
In each Erasmus+ programme country, projects will be awarded in the following 5 categories
- early childhood education and care
- school education
- vocational education and training
- adult education
- European Language Label
The Erasmus+ National Agencies are responsible for the selection of winning projects through either a direct selection of awardees, by short-listing potential awardees or publishing an open call.
The Award spotlights a different theme each year, in line with the Commission's overarching priorities. It honours teachers and schools whose projects successfully engage with the annual theme.
2025 edition: Citizenship education - participation in democratic life, common values and civic engagement
In the context of increasing polarisation, disinformation, and civic disengagement, the latest edition celebrates pedagogical approaches that cultivate skills for active participation in public life, and promote crucial democratic values such as freedom, inclusion, and solidarity.
The theme is articulated around key topics such as
- European identity and values
- Democracy and inclusive democratic participation
- Media literacy and tackling disinformation
- Active citizenship
- EU awareness
The theme is connected to the Action Plan on Basic Skills which recognises citizenship as one of the fundamental skills for learners to thrive in today’s world.
The next European Innovative Teaching Award event will take place in Brussels on 08-09 December 2025.