Top 10 finalists for $1m teacher prize announced
DUBAI, February 17, 2016
The top 10 finanlists for the $1 million Global Teacher Prize has been revealed.
The award 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, said a statement.
By unearthing thousands of stories of heroes that have transformed young people’s lives, the prize hopes to bring to life the exceptional work of millions of teachers all over the world, it said.
The top 10 were narrowed down from 8,000 nominations and applications from 148 countries from around the world.
By highlighting their stories, the Varkey Foundation hopes that the public will be able to join in passionate debates about the importance of teachers.
The winner will be announced at the Global Education and Skills Forum in Dubai on March 13.
Sunny Varkey, founder of the Varkey Foundation, said: “I want to congratulate all the top ten finalists for being selected 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 throughout the world every day.
“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.”
Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, said: “I count my teachers as among the most influential people in my life. Teachers are entrusted with nurturing the potential of the young and helping them blossom as productive and responsible members of society. It is hard to underestimate their value.
“I applaud the launch of the Global Teacher Prize, which recognises their worth. The award is in line with my Global Education First Initiative, launched in 2012, which aims to give momentum to the worldwide movement to put every child in school, improve the quality of learning and foster global citizenship.”
Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, said: “We were so excited by the plans to launch the Global Teacher Prize. I also want to recognise the leadership of Sunny Varkey, Founder of GEMS Education, who had the idea for this prize and is a great partner for our Foundation.” - TradeArabia News Service
