Each year, Intercoiffure America Canada creates initiatives to showcase students, hairdressers and educators for their outstanding work in the industry and honors them at the annual Fall Atelier.

ICA’s campaign, Honor Your Teachers, was developed to spotlight the people at the core of the beauty industry—educators.

Nominating beauty educators is a tough job, so ICA relies on the people who know teachers best—their students. Beauty industry partners Pivot Point, Beauty Cast Network, America’s Beauty Show and Pro Beauty Association help ICA’s team gather nominations from students across North America and a committee of ICA members read each nomination to finally select the top five.

“Pivot Point International appreciates this special opportunity to support the educational community, especially the educators who change lives,” says Robert Passage, chairman and CEO of Pivot Point International. “We are also proud of our strong partnership with Intercoiffure, which includes the Honor Your Teacher and Intercoiffure Nouveau Student recognition programs and the Leo Passage Educator of the Year award.”

Matt Martinelli, co-founder of Canvas ME adds, “This competition offers a platform to shine a light on those educators who have poured their heart and soul into nurturing the lives of students and carving the path for our industry’s future.

“Our involvement in this competition is not just an act of support, but a heartfelt tribute to every educator who has made an indelible mark in shaping the future artists of our industry,” he adds.

Field of Dream Educators

Last year, ICA received 1600 student nominations and narrowed down the entries to 300, then 100 before choosing the five finalists. Those instructors were flown to Chicago for the Fall Atelier with the student who nominated them.

“We wanted them to experience the event so they can see how important it is to send their students to a salon rather than a suite to work,” says ICA President Sheila Zaricor-Wilson.

As the people who introduce students to the beauty industry, instructors have a lasting impact and remain an important presence in the lives of many students.

“Cosmetology instructors are vital to our industry, deserving of recognition and acknowledgment for their daily efforts in shaping the future of the profession,” says Leslie Perry, director of membership and education for the PBA. “We are delighted to stand alongside ICA in celebrating and honoring these dedicated teachers.”

Frank Fulco, CEO of Cosmetologists Chicago/America’s Beauty Show, adds, “Instructors are one of the most important and influential role models to our students, who are the future of beauty. We fully support ICA’s effort to recognize our learning leaders.”

Five honorees will have a paid trip to NYC for ICA’s Fall Atelier September 29-30, 2024. The deadline for nominations is April 15, 2024. Learn more about how to nominate here.