Gifu University Graduate School for Professionals in Education received 1^st Award for Excellence of the National Institute for School Teachers and Staff Development (NITS) on February 2, 2018. Award for Excellence is designed to publicize excellent educational programs/projects implemented at schools. NITS solicits measures to address challenges at schools, and honors them by presenting awards.

Gifu University Graduate School for Professionals in Education applied "Development of School Administrators Training System and Contents in Collaboration with Professional Schools for Teacher Education and Education Board" to the Teachers' Career Department of NITS for awards. In its application, the school underscored the following two achievements: "In collaboration with Gifu Prefecture Board of Education, Gifu University implemented the school administrator (vice principals) training program for the first time in Japan," "Gifu University Graduate School for Professionals in Education introduced School Administrators Prepare Course and developed practical training programs for the first time in Japan in 2017. The school was presented the Award for Excellence for its showcasing exemplary models for professional schools for teacher education in Japan.

Gifu University continues to work hard to produce highly-skilled teaching personnel in communities with the latest NITS awarding as a great encouragement.