The IB teacher awards

About the initiative

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) has established a new professional development initiative involving the setting up of a number of university undergraduate and graduate courses aimed to develop teachers' understanding of the principles and practices associated with each of the three IB programmes. 

This initiative also involves the creation of an award framework for formally acknowledging this understanding and the commitment teachers make to their professional learning.

Those who successfully complete an IB-recognized undergraduate and graduate course of study developed by universities working in cooperation with the IB will be eligible to apply and register for one of two awards.

About the awards

Two levels of recognition have been established.

• IB teacher award—level 1

• IB teacher award—level 2

The two awards are a formal acknowledgment by the IB of the knowledge and understanding about IB principles and practices that teachers have demonstrated during their academic study and investigation.

Currently the only means of gaining eligibility for either of the two awards is through completing a recognized undergraduate or graduate course of study. In the future it will be possible for experienced IB teachers to gain eligibility for the level 1 award by compiling a professional portfolio incorporating some critical self-reflection. Future developments in the portfolio route will be announced in the "news" section.

About the universities

A number of universities are currently working with the IB to develop and offer courses of study, enabling successful participants to register for these awards. Over time, it is expected that a network of universities will be established globally, offering IB-recognized courses.

• Flinders University (Adelaide, Australia)
• Curtin University of Technology (Perth, Australia)
• The University of Melbourne (Victoria, Australia)
• The University of Bath (Bath, UK)
• Oakland University (Michigan, USA)
• Bethel University (Minnesota, USA)
• George Mason University (Virginia, USA)

Universities interested in finding out more about this initiative, with a view to possible involvement, can contact the IB's teacher education services department for further information.