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
- 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 promoting professional excellence, networks and communities of practice, as well as learning together through European cooperation projects.
Categories and selection
In each Erasmus+ programme country, projects will be awarded in the following 4 categories
- early childhood education and care
- primary education
- secondary education
- vocational education and training (VET) schools
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.
2024 edition: Wellbeing at school
The 2024 theme highlights the importance of a whole-school approach in promoting the wellbeing and mental health of both learners and educators. The theme connects with the “Pathways to School Success” initiative and the recent guidelines for policymakers and educators aimed at addressing wellbeing and mental health.
The theme is articulated around key topics such as
- physical and mental health
- promotion of social and emotional competencies
- enhanced capacity to make healthy choices
- creation of supportive school and classroom environments that foster positive relationships, collaboration, learning, and personal development
The next European Innovative Teaching Award event will take place in Brussels on 14-15 November 2024.