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“I still remember watching the 2024 awards ceremony and thinking how wonderful it must be to receive such an award in recognition of meaningful work to enhance learning. Now that I have won it myself, I feel deeply honoured and incredibly proud.”
Jolinda Groothedde from Holland International School, winner of Leader of the Year award
There is less than a month left for you to submit your entries for the ICA Teacher Awards 2026: your opportunity to celebrate the educators, leaders, school teams and students who are bringing the International Curriculum to life in exceptional ways. Across the nine categories for entry this year, we are looking for nominations that shine a spotlight on the innovative work being accomplished in our community.
From inspiring early years classrooms to transformative leadership, from collaborative teams to powerful student projects, the awards recognise those shaping the future of learning. Whether you are nominating a class, one of your peers, or a school leader, this is your opportunity to share what makes your school truly special.
How can you nominate?
As part of your entry, you’ll need to answer three questions (200 words each) explaining how your nominee is making an impact. For full entry details, consult our entry kit for submission guidelines and FAQs. This year’s categories and entry questions are:
Best Newcomer Award celebrates an educator who demonstrates remarkable promise and dedication, who has made an exceptional impact in their first two years of delivering an ICA Curriculum.
- What has this educator achieved in their first years delivering an ICA curriculum that makes them stand out?
- Can you share a specific example of how their work has positively influenced learner or colleagues?
- Why do you believe this individual shows exceptional promise for continued impact within ICA education?
Community Engagement Award honours an educator who is enriching learning beyond the classroom by connecting with their community beyond the classroom: families, local organisation and global communities.
- Describe the community engagement initiative this nominee has led or significantly contributed to.
- What evidence shows the initiative strengthened connections between school and community?
- How was this work created sustainable partnerships or ongoing positive change?
IEYC Teacher of the Year Award celebrates an outstanding International Early Years Curriculum educator who nurtures and inspires learning and demonstrates a deep understanding of early childhood development.
- How does this teacher create a nurturing, inquiry-based environment aligned with IEYC principles?
- What examples demonstrate their positive impact on children’s development and learning?
- How do they demonstrate reflection, collaboration, or engagement with families?
IPC Teacher of the Year Award recognises an educator who demonstrates excellence through their teaching of the International Primary Curriculum, whose passion encourages primary learners to think critically, collaborate effectively and embrace global perspectives.
- How does this teacher bring the IPC to life in engaging and meaningful ways?
- What evidence shows their impact on students’ knowledge, skills, and global perspectives?
- How do they contribute to improving or enriching IPC practice within the school?
IMYC Teacher of the Year Award honours the teacher who truly understands and inspires adolescent learners, fostering resilience and independence in their classroom.
- How does this teacher effectively support the developmental needs of adolescents?
- Provide examples of how they connect learning through big ideas and global perspectives.
- How have they fostered independence, resilience, or critical thinking in their students?
Leader of the Year Award champions the school leader who demonstrates vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to ICA values. Beyond management and high-quality curriculum implementation, this leader cultivates an inclusive, forward-thinking learning community.
- How has this leader strengthened curriculum implementation and school culture?
- In what ways have they developed and inspired colleagues?
- What measurable improvements or lasting changes highlight their leadership impact?
Team of the Year Award celebrates the power of collaboration in delivering outstanding ICA education. Nominate a team whose unity and dedication have made a measurable difference in their school community.
- Describe a key initiative or achievement delivered by this team.
- What evidence demonstrates the success of their collaboration?
- What makes this team’s approach to collaboration exceptional?
Student Project of the Year Award is an exciting new addition to this year’s ICA Teacher Awards 2026! Highlighting a truly exceptional piece of student work developed through the international Curriculum.
- Describe the student project and its curriculum context.
- What makes this project exceptional in terms of creativity, understanding, and real-world connection?
- How did this project demonstrate meaningful student engagement or lasting learning?
People’s Choice: Most Inspiring Teacher Award is voted for by the ICA community at the International Curriculum Conference 2026 and is made up of entrants to all other categories at the ICA Teacher Awards 2026. This award celebrates the dedicated educator that shares their love of learning with students of all ages.
- Those selected for the People’s Choice Awards will be invited to submit a one-minute video answering the question, which will be played at the International Curriculum Conference for public voting.
Ready to submit but not sure where to start?
Read our guide on how to write an award-winning entry to help you nominee standout.
Nominate. Celebrate. Inspire
Submission deadline: Friday 2 October 2026, 23:59 (BST)