The Order of Manuel José Hurtado (Spanish: Orden Manuel José Hurtado) is the highest order for educators of the Republic of Panama and was established by Decree No.

Annually on December 1, the Order is awarded to teachers, schools, civic groups, religious associations, parents, business, institutions or organizations who have made work of cultural and educational value.

There is also the "National Council of the Order of Manuel José Hurtado", whose members organize the selection of the winners who have distinguished themselves in the field of education.

The Order of Manuel José Hurtado is awarded in only one classes, i.e. that of Member, who wears the medal on a ribbon on the left side of the chest.

The badge of the Order is a silver round medal (diameter 70 mm) with a central disk showing in gold the portrait of Don Manuel José Hurtado, surrounded by the inscription in gold "Manuel José Hurtado, Padre de la Educación Panameña" (English: Manuel José Hurtado, Father of the Panamese Education).