The list of Top 50 Finalists for the Global Teacher Prize 2023 has been released. The finalists hail from various regions worldwide. They represent a diverse spectrum of educational settings, from instructing in secluded rural areas to urban centers. These educators are strong proponents of inclusivity and children’s rights, actively involved in incorporating migrant populations into classrooms and fostering their students’ skills and self-assurance. Each of them stands as a beacon of change, leaving a lasting impact on their students and the communities they serve. The detailed list of the Top 50 Finalists can be accessed at the link: https://globalteacherprize.org/pages/2023-finalists-globalteacherprize
In the list of Top 50 Finalists for the Global Teacher Prize 2023, two Indian teachers have been selected. The two shortlisted Indian teachers are Mr. Hari Krishna Patacharu, Zilla Parishad High School Ilavaram, Bhattiprolu Mandal, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, India and Mr. Deep Narayan Nayak, Tilka Manjhi Adivasi Free Primary School, Jamuria, Asansol, West Bengal, India. A brief description of the work of these two remarkable Indian teachers is given below.
Mr. Hari Krishna Patacharu has been shortlisted for the Global Teacher Prize, 2023 for his dedication and commitment to work in his community to bring about positive change. By starting cross-cultural Zoom sessions, for his students, he has helped students overcome their fear of English from their minds and give them confidence to speak the language fluently. He also persuaded and coaxed fellow educators globally to meet his students virtually, slowly winning their confidence with constant progress in organizing sessions, toiling to build a large network of educators, now 400-strong from all continents. Six years of Zoom sessions with them have paid off with his students shunning their fears, expressing their views clearly, improving their communication skills and gaining valuable knowledge about the wider world. He approached various philanthropists and school alumni for support in funding a classroom renovation project, which transformed an ordinary classroom into a state-of-the-art learning environment with Indian cultural and traditional decorations and new chairs.
Mr. Deep Narayan Nayak has been shortlisted for the Global Teacher Prize, 2023 for his innovative teaching methods, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, that have bridged the learning gap for underprivileged children and indigenous communities. He has also focused on educating parents, particularly mothers and grandmothers, to break the cycle of illiteracy. His teaching techniques have helped eradicate superstition among indigenous communities and foster an interest in science education. He has developed programs that address malnutrition, child exploitation, and early marriages while empowering women in backward districts. He is also focused on environmental awareness and sustainability.
The Global Teacher Prize, established in 2014 by the Varkey Foundation, is an annual award of US$1 million presented to an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of education. This prestigious prize is open to all educators who teach students aged between 5 and 18. The recipient is chosen by a panel of experts, taking into account various factors, including the teacher’s influence on students’ learning, their contributions to the teaching profession, and their dedication to innovation and excellence.
Distinguished as the world’s largest education award, the Global Teacher Prize serves as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the vital role that teachers play in our society. Beyond recognition, it also serves as an inspiration for others to consider teaching as a career path and promotes awareness about the importance of education worldwide.