Three nominations for the Icelandic Education Awards have ties to Reykjavík
Organizers announced the 2026 Icelandic Education Awards nominations today, on World Teachers' Day. Three nominated projects tie into school and recreational activities in Reykjavík. They reflect the diversity, innovation, and professionalism of the City's school operations. The awards ceremony will take place at Bessastaðir on Nov. 10.
Exemplary teaching
Sandra Ómarsdóttir, a teacher at Seljaskóli, earned a nomination in the exemplary teaching category for her performing arts instruction. This nomination recognizes her vital contribution to creative learning and arts education in primary school.
Nominations for development projects
The development projects category features a nomination for Söngvavor, a key component of the Children's Culture Festival. The Stilla project, which involves Rauðhóll Preschool, also earned a nomination.
Stilla—slow-paced early childhood education—is a collaborative project involving researchers and staff at four preschools, including Rauðhóll in Reykjavík. The initiative gives children more room for play, exploration, and creativity by offering them additional time to immerse themselves in their own ideas and activities.
Söngvavor focuses on music education, native language cultivation, and equal opportunities for children. Preschools and music schools partner to introduce children to Icelandic music and composition. Children learn songs by Icelandic composers, visit music schools, rehearse with bands, and participate in a large final celebration where they perform for an audience.
For many years, Söngvavor has served as a staple cultural activity for preschool children in Reykjavík. This spring, more than 1,200 preschool children performed in concerts in Eldborg Hall at Harpa, alongside students from Reykjavík music schools. The project represents a collaboration among 62 Reykjavík preschools, five music schools, and the Children's Culture Festival. The initiative launched in Reykjavík in 2010 at Tónskóli Sigursveins with 20 participating preschools. By 2015, that number had grown to 30.
Recognition of strong school operations
These nominations highlight the energy and ambition characterizing schooling in Reykjavík, spanning creative teaching in primary schools and development projects that strengthen play, music, linguistic development, and children's participation. They also recognize the crucial contribution of school staff and partners in creating diverse and exemplary opportunities for children to learn and grow.
