Every classroom has a story worth telling

The ICA Teacher Awards 2026 are now open – shine a light on the people shaping the future of learning.

It starts with a moment… a question that sparks curiosity, a lesson that stays with a student long after the bell rings, a teacher who sees potential where others might not.

Across the world, in classrooms of every size and setting, these moments happen every day – quietly shaping futures.

The ICA Teacher Awards exist to celebrate these unseen moments. They commemorate the educators, leaders, teams, and students who bring learning to life in extraordinary ways. Those who go beyond the curriculum to create experiences that inspire, challenge, and connect.

From early years classrooms filled with discovery, to school leaders building cultures of innovation, to student projects tackling real-world challenges – these are stories that define international education at its best.

Why enter?

Maybe it is the colleague who never stops innovating, the team that works seamlessly to transform learning, the leader who lifts everyone around them, or the students whose ideas are already changing the world.

You know them, but now is your chance to recognise them. And better yet – it is free to enter!

Being part of the ICA Teacher Awards means:

• Celebrating your community on a global stage
• Inspiring educators around the world
• Joining a network committed to Improving Learning

“I would recommend entering the ICA Teacher Awards because it provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase the best practices we are implementing in our school on a global platform. It not only brings recognition to our efforts but also serves as a valuable learning experience that inspires growth, reflection, and continuous improvement.”

– Parmeet Jindal, 2025 Community Engagement Award winner

Our 2026 award categories

This year, we are excited to grow our award categories to recognise our young changemakers! See the full list of award categories below and view our entry pack that includes further information on each category.

• The Best Newcomer Award celebrates an educator who has made an exceptional impact within their first two years of delivering an ICA curriculum.
• The Community Engagement Award honours an educator or school team that has strengthened connections beyond the classroom.
• The IEYC Teacher of the Year Award recognises an outstanding educator who brings the International Early Years Curriculum to life with creativity, care, and expertise.
• The IPC Teacher of the Year Award celebrates an educator who exemplifies excellence in delivering the International Primary Curriculum.
• The IMYC Teacher of the Year Award recognises an educator who truly understands and champions the unique needs of adolescent learners.
• The Leader of the Year Award honours an exceptional school leader who demonstrates vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to our values.
• The Team of the Year Award celebrates the power of collaboration in delivering outstanding ICA education.
• *NEW FOR 2026* Student Project of the Year (Solo and small groups – max three / Large and full class) highlights a truly exceptional piece of student work developed through the International Curriculum.
• The People’s Choice Award for Most Inspiring Teacher recognises an educator whose influence extends far beyond the classroom.

Key dates

Nominations for the ICA Teacher Awards 2026 are officially open. Deadline for entries is 2 October 2026.

Some stories change a classroom, some change a school, others change lives.