#Japan #Tokyo #English Education #ELEC #2026 Award

Applications for the 2026 ELEC English Education Award Now Open!

The English Language Education Council (ELEC), based in Chiyoda City, Tokyo, is pleased to announce that it is currently accepting applications for the prestigious 2026 ELEC English Education Award. This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, invites schools and individual educators to submit their outstanding practices in English language education at the primary, junior high, and high school levels.

Overview of the ELEC English Education Award

Since its inception in 1966, ELEC has recognized and honored exemplary practices in English education through the submission of recorded practices and research papers. Not only does this prestigious award provide recognition for educational achievements, but it also aims to enhance English education across Japan. The awards presented include:
Minister of Education Award for the most outstanding practice, along with a certificate and a monetary award of ¥300,000.
ELEC Chairman's Award for excellent practices, with a certificate and a monetary award of ¥100,000.
Outstanding English Teaching Practitioner Award for individual entries, along with a certificate and a monetary award of ¥100,000.

Award winners will also have their practices featured on the official ELEC website, gaining recognition among English education stakeholders nationwide.

Application Requirements for the 2026 Award

The primary objective of the ELEC English Education Award is to celebrate and publicize exceptional practices for the improvement of English education in Japan. The eligibility criteria include:
Organizations and individuals from public, private, and special needs schools at the elementary, junior high, and high school levels.
Both individual and group applications are welcomed.

Award Application Process

To apply, applicants must submit:
An application form
A report detailing the educational practice
Any video documentation if available
Applications are processed via a dedicated application form available on the ELEC official website.

Deadline for Submissions

Applications must be submitted by November 30, 2026, ensuring adequate time for thorough evaluation.

Selection Process

A committee will evaluate the submitted applications based on various criteria. During this process, there may be requests for interviews or additional documentation regarding the practices submitted. The evaluation criteria for the ELEC English Education Award focus on:
Whether the initiative involves the entire English department of the school or creates an impact on the English curriculum through the individual application.
If the implemented practice benefits other schools and contributes to the overall improvement in English education.
The level of creativity and ingenuity observed in the practice.
Detailed documentation showcasing the growth of students as a result of the initiative.
Note: Research papers are not eligible for submission.

Announcement of Results

The results will be communicated by the end of February 2027 through written correspondence. Additionally, winning practices will be highlighted on the ELEC official website, granting broader visibility and acknowledgment.

Understanding Our Impact

Past winning entries demonstrate various innovative practices that engage students in enjoyable English learning experiences. Examples include:
Creative methods to make language learning enjoyable and lively for students.
Collaborative lesson designs with Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs).
Instructional practices conducted entirely in English.
Coordination between elementary, junior high, and high schools to enhance continuity in education.
Integrative skill sets and CLIL initiatives that align with the new educational guidelines.

Acknowledgment of our Jury Members

The selection committee comprises distinguished members, including:
Chairperson Kensaku Yoshida, Emeritus Professor, Sophia University.
Koichi Ahno, Professor, Bunkyo University.
Naoko Ozeki, Emeritus Professor, Meiji University.
Hideaki Hakata, Former President of the National Federation of English Education Associations and Principal of Tokyo Prefectural Ogawa High School.
Shigeru Matsumoto, Emeritus Professor, Rikkyo University, and Professor at Tokyo International University.

Recent Winners of the Award

Noteworthy accolades from the 2025 award include:
Minister of Education Award: Chofu City First Elementary School for nurturing students in selecting appropriate expression methods.
Outstanding English Teaching Practitioner Award: Takami Yamaguchi from Fukui Prefectural Fukui Commercial High School for innovative approaches to logical writing in high school students.
Outstanding English Teaching Practitioner Award: Hiroaki Takahashi from Ageo City Daioshimin Elementary School for developing student-centered reading approaches utilizing a seven-step framework for novice learners.

About ELEC

Founded in 1956, ELEC is dedicated to refining English education in Japan and enhancing communication proficiency among Japanese speakers. Our organization provides various forms of support, including teacher training, resources for diverse educational institutions, corporate English training, and the development of audio materials, all aimed at fostering a comprehensive English learning environment suitable for all involved.

For more information, please visit the official website at ELEC Official Website.