Awards

Nomination forms coming Spring 2023!

    1. The Ottawa Catholic Teachers Graduating Student Award


Purpose: the Ottawa Catholic Teachers Graduating Student Award, in the amount of $1000 is presented to assist a graduating student in each of the high schools, and OCSB external Achievement Centres, to further their post-secondary education.


Criteria: the recipient must demonstrate a commitment to the principles of Catholic social teaching and social justice throughout their secondary school experience.


Selection: the Awards committee in each high school selects the recipient of the award and the name is forwarded to the Unit office.


  1. The Dr. William Crossan Memorial Bursary

Purpose: the Dr. William Crossan Memorial Bursary, in the amount of $1000 is presented to an aspiring Catholic teacher. Dr. Crossan, a former Director of Education and visionary, is remembered for his strong commitment to provide, enhance and celebrate quality Catholic education for every child.


Criteria: the recipient must:

  1. be enrolled in a Bachelor of Education program at the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa;

  2. demonstrate an interest in teaching in the Catholic school system;

  3. demonstrate a financial need.


Selection: the Awards committee of the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa selects the recipient.


  1. The Ottawa Catholic Teachers Advocacy Award

Purpose: the Ottawa Catholic Teachers Advocacy Award is presented annually to a member of the Ottawa Unit who has prioritized advocacy for teacher colleagues over the course of their career.


Criteria: the recipient must:

  1. be a member of Ottawa Catholic Teachers;

  2. promote the collective interests of teachers in the Association;

  3. work with individuals and groups to advance teacher welfare;

  4. be nominated by at least five (5) members of the Ottawa Unit.

Selection: the recipient is selected by the Unit Awards committee based upon applications received


  1. The Ottawa Catholic Teachers Award for Servant Leadership

Purpose: the Ottawa Catholic Teachers Award for Servant Leadership is presented annually to a member of the Ottawa Unit who has demonstrated the qualities of servant leadership amongst their teaching colleagues in the course of their career.


Criteria: the recipient must:

  1. be a member of Ottawa Catholic Teachers;

  2. demonstrate “servant leadership” – the quality of compassion for those in need and for the prioritization of service to others;

  3. demonstrate a supportive role among colleagues;

  4. promote good fellowship among staff;

  5. be nominated by at least five (5) members of the Ottawa Unit.


Selection: the recipient is selected by the Unit Awards committee based upon applications received.


  1. Teacher Education Grant


Purpose: a minimum of twelve Teacher Education Grants, of up to $800 each, are awarded annually, with priority given to applicants who are trying to move to a higher category on the salary grid.


Criteria: the recipient must:

  1. be a member of OECTA Ottawa;

  2. clearly demonstrate a financial need;

  3. provide proof of completion of a university course;

  4. submit their application within one year of the course completion.

Selection: the recipient is selected by the Unit Awards committee based upon applications received. The grants are to be awarded twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring.


  1. Occasional Teacher Award of Excellence


Purpose: to recognize the professionalism and commitment to excellence of those candidates who are nominated for the Award. To recognize the importance of the role of occasional teachers in Education and to celebrate a teacher who exemplifies this.

Criteria: the recipient must:

  1. be a member of the Occasional Bargaining Unit;

  2. show a high degree of professionalism in carrying out their duties;

  3. be an example of service to the school and/or the larger community;

  4. demonstrate the values that are at the heart of the Christian message;

  5. be an example of teamwork in dealings with their students and colleagues.

Selection: the recipient is selected by the Occasional Bargaining Unit Committee based upon applications received.