#Japan #Tokyo #English Education #ELEC

Call for Applications: 2025 ELEC English Education Awards

The English Language Education Council (ELEC), supported by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, is currently accepting applications for the 2025 ELEC English Education Awards. The initiative encourages schools and individual educators to showcase their innovative practices in English language education at the elementary, junior high, and high school levels. This year marks a significant change as applications can now be submitted not only by schools but also individually by educators, broadening the scope for participation.

About the ELEC English Education Awards

Since its inception in 1966, ELEC has been dedicated to enhancing English education in Japan by recognizing outstanding English education practices and research papers. Winning entries will be honored with prestigious awards, including the Minister of Education Award for the most exceptional initiatives, the ELEC Chairman’s Award for outstanding practices, and a newly established Excellent English Teaching Practitioner Award for individual submissions, which will be awarded starting this year.

Winners will have their initiatives showcased on the ELEC official website, providing a platform for broader recognition among the national English education community.

Eligibility Criteria

The awards are open to various educational institutions, including:

• - Public and private elementary, junior high, and high schools
• - Secondary schools
• - Schools for special needs education
• - Compulsory education schools

Multiple institutions or individuals can apply together, encouraging collaboration across the educational landscape.

Awards and Prizes

• - Minister of Education Award: Certificate and prize money of 300,000 yen
• - ELEC Chairman’s Award: Certificate and prize money of 100,000 yen
• - Excellent English Teaching Practitioner Award: Certificate and prize money of 100,000 yen (newly established for 2025)

Application Guidelines

How to Apply

Applications must include a summary of the initiative as well as relevant materials, which can be submitted via postal mail, email, or online data upload. For detailed application rules and to download the application form, please visit the ELEC official website.

Submission Address

The English Language Education Council, “ELEC English Education Awards Office” 4F NMF Takebashi Building, 3-11-1 Kanda Nishikicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0054

Application Deadline

All applications must be postmarked by November 30, 2025.

Selection Process

The selection committee will review all submitted applications based on the quality and impact of the proposed practices. During the evaluation process, the committee may request additional information or conduct interviews regarding the initiatives.

Evaluation Criteria

The judging process for the ELEC English Education Awards focuses on several key aspects:

• - Is the initiative school-wide (for school applications) or does it significantly influence the English department (for individual submissions) through shared teaching plans and materials?
• - Is the initiative applicable to other institutions and beneficial for improving English education beyond a single school?
• - What creative ideas are incorporated into the practice?
• - Are the growth and development of students explicitly recorded and documented based on the implemented practices?

Announcement of Results

Results will be communicated by late February 2026.

Additional Notes

• - Submitted applications and related materials will generally not be returned.
• - While copyright remains with the original authors, publication rights will belong to ELEC.
• - An awards ceremony and special lecture for winners will be held in March 2026, where recognized schools and individuals will be honored, and guest lectures from esteemed experts are expected.

Examples of Previous Submissions

The following are examples of successful initiatives from past applicants:

• - Engaging and fun practices for effective English learning among students
• - Collaborative lesson planning with Assistant Language Teachers (ALT)
• - Conducting lessons entirely in English
• - Collaborative guidance among elementary, junior high, and high schools
• - Integration of skills and CLIL approaches aligned with the new curriculum guidelines

Selection Committee Members

The selection committee is chaired by Ken Saku Yoshida, a distinguished professor emeritus at Sophia University, alongside notable education professionals:

• - Koichi Ano (Bunkyo University)
• - Naoko Ozeki (Former Professor at Meiji University)
• - Masato Suzuki (Former President of the National English Education Research Federation and Teacher at Hamura High School)
• - Shigeru Matsumoto (Professor at Rikkyo University and Tokyo International University)

2024 Award Winners

• - Minister of Education Award: Arima Junior High School, Kawasaki City

- Project: Development of Students Who Actively Communicate and Learn Together Through Repeated Implementation of the PDCA Cycle.

• - ELEC Chairman’s Award: Hachiyo Elementary School, Shibuya Ward

- Project: Creative Strategies for Engaging and Joyful English Learning for Students.

For over 70 years, the English Language Education Council has been committed to enhancing English education in Japan by supporting English teacher training, providing assistance to university and secondary education, and producing audio materials aimed at improving Japanese English communication skills. The council continues to provide comprehensive support for English education in Japan.

Contact Information:
The English Language Education Council (ELEC)
4F NMF Takebashi Building, 3-11-1 Kanda Nishikicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0054
Chairman: Akasaka Kiyotaka
Website
Additional Resources