IKFA Call for Nominations 2026
INTERNATIONAL KATALIN FORRAI AWARD
Call for Nominations 2026
Mary Stouffer – Chairperson (Can)
Gail Godfrey – Secretary (Aust)
Kelly Foster-Griffin – Treasurer (USA)
Helga Dietrich – Member at Large (Hun)
May 2026
The Committee is delighted to announce the eighth Presentation of the International Katalin Forrai Award.
Naomi Chinen [Japan], and Christiane Pineau [France] received the Award at the first Presentation. Dr. Ilona Groh Gállne [Hungary], and Sr. Lorna Zemke [USA] received the Award at the second Presentation, Ewa Krzatala [Canada] received the Award at the third Presentation, Gail Godfrey [Australia] received the Award at the fourth Presentation, Anne Lindeberg-Piiroinen [Finland] received the Award at the fifth Presentation, Judith Johnson [Australia] and Dominika Lenska [Poland] received the Award at the sixth Presentation. Betsy McLaughlin Moll [USA], Dr. James Cuskelly [Australia} and Zsuzsanna Hegedűsné Tóth [Hungary], received the Award last year at the seventh Presentation.
Further information about these events and about the Award may be found by visiting the News on the website of the International Kodály Society [www.iks.hu].
The eighth Presentation will take place during 2027. The successful nominee will be offered the choice of where the Award Ceremony will take place. The options are: 1, during the 28th International Kodály Society Symposium; 2, at a suitable occasion in the recipient’s own country.
The purpose of the Award is to commemorate the worldwide contribution to the Music Education of young children made by Katalin Forrai during her lifetime. It is also to encourage, inspire and reward teachers in Early Years, Nursery and Kindergarten settings throughout the world who are contributing to her legacy through their work with children and teachers today.
The Award will comprise a certificate and an ornamental owl which symbolises Kati’s great wisdom.
CRITERIA FOR ASSESSING NOMINATIONS
Nominees will
- Be nominated by two people
- Have a minimum of 10 years teaching experience
- Show commitment to, and evidence of, success in implementing and practising the beliefs of the late Katalin Forrai
- Have experience of working in different nursery/kindergarten/pre-school/Early
Years/Foundation stage settings and /or different age groups within the same setting.
The Committee reserves the right to request additional information if necessary.
Closing dates for receiving nominations is 1st November 2026.
Please submit your completed Nomination Letter through this link:
https://forms.gle/qV4DdmHDpMW1LdsK6
Alternatively, Nomination Letters may be sent by mail to:
Mary Stouffer, Chairperson of the International Katalin Forrai Award Committee, Box 2746 St. Marys, ON N4X1A5 CANADA; or by email to stouffer.mjs@gmail.com
