Teacher prize finalists are social saviours
dubai — The top 10 finalists in the Varkey Foundation’s $1million Global Teacher Prize have been announced in a special video, by philanthropist Bill Gates.
The prize, in its fourth year, was set up to recognise one exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession, as well as to shine a spotlight on the important role teachers play in society.
The finalists for the prize have been selected from around the world, including the Philippines, UK, US, Brazil, Australia, Norway, South Africa, Colombia, Belgium and Turkey.
“For his patronage of the prize, thank you to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai,” Gates said in the video.
“When you think about what drives progress and improvement in the world, education is like a master switch — one that opens up all sorts of opportunities for individuals and societies. Research has shown that having a great teacher can be the most important factor that determines whether students get a great education.
“Finalists were selected based on a rigorous set of criteria, including their proven effectiveness in inspiring students and helping them learn. Just as important, these teachers are leaders who have innovated in the classroom and mentored their colleagues. They have demonstrated the kind of collaboration — teachers and schools working together — that can give all students the opportunity to get a great education”.
The finalists have been selected from more than 30,000 nominations and applications, from 173 countries around the world.
They have been narrowed down from a top 50 shortlist that was announced in December 2017. By highlighting their stories, the Varkey Foundation hopes the public will be able to join in passionate debates about the important role of teachers. The moving stories of each finalist have been highlighted in the Global Teacher Prize.
“I want to congratulate the top 10 finalists who have made it through from such a huge number of talented and dedicated teachers. I hope their stories will inspire those looking to enter the teaching profession and also shine a powerful spotlight on the incredible work teachers do all over the world, every day,” said Sunny Varkey, founder of the Varkey Foundation and the Global Teacher Prize.
“The thousands of nominations and applications we received from every corner of the planet is testimony to the achievements of teachers and the enormous impact they have on all of our lives”.
The winner will be announced at the Global Education and Skills Forum (GESF) in Dubai on March 18 — in its annual star-studded ceremony at the Palm Jumeirah, which will be streamed live worldwide.
Maggie MacDonnell from Canada won the prize last year and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sent her a congratulatory video during the awarding ceremony.
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com