ETIH Innovation Awards 2026: spotlight on Best Teacher Empowerment Tool
This category recognizes tools that help educators work more effectively through professional development, automation, or practical classroom support.
We’re continuing our series exploring each category in the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026, taking a closer look at what the judges expect and what makes a strong submission.
This edition focuses on Best Teacher Empowerment Tool, a category celebrating platforms designed to support educators in their day-to-day work. Entries should demonstrate how the tool improves productivity, confidence, or well-being while reducing workload or friction.
What this category covers
This category highlights tools built to support teachers directly, whether by saving time, strengthening practice, or improving access to high-quality resources. Eligible entries include platforms used in schools, colleges, universities, and professional learning settings.
Entries may include solutions for:
professional development and teacher learning
lesson planning, curriculum support, and resource creation
assessment, feedback, and marking workflows
AI-powered automation to reduce administrative workload
collaboration and knowledge sharing among educators
wellbeing, workload management, or confidence-building tools
instructional coaching or reflective practice
integration with existing school or institutional systems
Solutions must demonstrate meaningful use by educators.
What judges will look for
Judges will assess whether the tool genuinely improves the working experience of teachers and supports better practice.
Entries should address:
the specific challenge or pressure the tool is designed to address
how the platform saves time, simplifies tasks, or improves efficiency
evidence of improved teacher confidence, consistency, or wellbeing
measurable outcomes such as time savings, adoption rates, or reduced workload
how educators use the tool in real-world settings
feedback from teachers, schools, or institutions
Strong submissions will show clear links between the tool’s design and tangible improvements in teacher experience.
How to strengthen your submission
Entrants are encouraged to explain how teacher input, research, or classroom insight shaped the development of the tool. Judges value evidence that educators were involved in design and testing.
Submissions will be strengthened by:
clear data demonstrating productivity or workload improvements
examples of how teachers integrate the tool into daily practice
case studies or feedback highlighting confidence or wellbeing gains
evidence of scalability across subjects, phases, or institutions
Demonstrating how the tool supports sustainable teaching practice will strengthen the overall submission.
Why enter this category
Best Teacher Empowerment Tool offers organizations an opportunity to highlight technology that supports educators at a time when workload, retention, and wellbeing are under sustained pressure. Shortlisted entries will be featured on edtechinnovationhub.com and across ETIH channels, reaching schools, trusts, higher education institutions, and policymakers.
Entries are reviewed by an independent judging panel with expertise across teaching, professional development, and EdTech. Many entrants find the submission process helps clarify impact and strengthen evidence of value.
How to enter
To enter, download an entry form or submit via the link below. The entry deadline is Friday, 27 March 2026. The shortlist will be announced on Tuesday, 2 April 2026, and winners will be revealed on Monday, 27 April 2026.
Entry costs £80 per submission, or £150 for two or more entries. Payment can be made via our website. Once your entry form and payment have been received, confirmation will be sent by email.
For questions or further information, please contact Director of Content Emma Thompson.
