Global teacher 2018 nominations now open
PETALING JAYA: Nominations for the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2018 – which carries a US$1mil (RM4.3mil) prize – are now open.
The prize is presented annually to an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession.
Canadian teacher Maggie MacDonnell won this year’s Global Teacher Prize, which was awarded in March, while one of Malaysia’s own, Mohd Sirhajwan Idek, was one of the 50 finalists.
Although not many of his students at the Keningau Vocational College in Sabah were proficient in English, Mohd Sirhajwan’s patience and perseverance paid off as he transformed his school into one that now dominates Englishlanguage competitions.
He encourages his students to speak in English when they converse and urges them to participate in extra-curricular activities such as debates and public speaking.
The teacher has received numerous awards for his achievements, including the National Teacher Icon Award this year.
“We need great teachers to foster great minds – otherwise, we will never tackle the world’s problems.
“If teachers aren’t respected, children won’t listen to them, parents won’t back them and the most talented individuals will continue to disregard teaching as a fulfilling career option.
“I urge children and parents to nominate their favourite teacher for the Global Teacher Prize 2018 to help celebrate the work of our greatest teachers throughout Malaysia,” he said.
In 2016, two Malaysian teachers, Noorjahan Sultan and Vanesri Kasi, beat close to 8,000 others to be shortlisted among the top 50 candidates for the prize.
The closing date for the nominations is Oct 8. Applicants will be shortlisted to a list of Top 50, which is expected to be announced in December, then to a further Top 10 in February.
The winner will be chosen by the Global Teacher Prize Academy made up of prominent individuals.
All 10 finalists will be flown to Dubai for an award ceremony at the Global Education and Skills Forum in March, where the winner will be announced live.
Nominations can be done at www.globalteacherprize.org.