Nova Scotia Kicks Off Education Week 2026
Fostering Empathy: Leading and Learning with Kindness is the theme for Education Week 2026; 67 school staff were recognized today, May 11, for embodying the theme. (Province of Nova Scotia / File)
To launch Education Week 2026, exceptional educators from across the province were recognized today, May 11, during a ceremony at École secondaire Mosaïque in Dartmouth.
This year’s theme, Fostering Empathy: Leading and Learning with Kindness, recognizes those who show how kindness can make a big difference in learning. Educators recognized during the ceremony were nominated by colleagues who felt the nominee embodied the theme.
“When schools focus on fostering empathy, they create safe and welcoming spaces where everyone feels included,” said Brendan Maguire, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. “This Education Week, we celebrate the remarkable efforts of everyone in our school system who demonstrates that by learning and leading with kindness, we prepare students not just for success in school, but for making their communities better places.”
Award winners included 67 school staff from all regional centres for education and the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial. Minister Maguire and Chief Justice Michael Wood, representing Lt.-Gov. Mike Savage, presented winners with their award and a commemorative pin.
Education Week, taking place this year from May 10 to 16, involves these partners:
- Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
- Public School Administrators Association of Nova Scotia
- Nova Scotia Teachers Union
- Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority
- La Fédération des parents acadiens de la Nouvelle-Écosse
- Council on African Canadian Education
- Council on Mi’kmaq Education.
Quotes:
“On behalf of the Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia, I am honoured to recognize the outstanding educators being celebrated during Education Week. Their commitment to fostering empathy and leading with kindness helps create learning environments where every student feels valued and supported. In doing so, they are shaping not only the future of our learners, but the strength and compassion of our province as a whole.” — Chief Justice Michael Wood, on behalf of Lt.-Gov. Mike Savage
Additional Resources:
Education Week 2026 awards: https://www.ednet.ns.ca/education-week
Education Week 2026 – Nova Scotia Teachers Union: https://nstu.ca/the-nstu/information-items/education-week
Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development: https://beta.novascotia.ca/government/education-and-early-childhood-development