The announcement has been made for the Top 10 Finalists of the Global Teacher Prize 2023. These finalists are a diverse group, working in various educational settings, ranging from remote rural areas to vibrant urban hubs. Each of these dedicated educators acts as a driving force for transformation, profoundly impacting both their students and the communities they interact with. Let’s take a look at the remarkable work accomplished by these educators.
Among the Top 10 Finalists for the Global Teacher Prize 2023 is Deep Narayan Nayak, a teacher at Tilka Manjhi Adivasi Free Primary School in Jamuria, Asansol, West Bengal, India. He has been recognized for innovative teaching during the pandemic, bridging learning gaps for underprivileged children and indigenous communities.
Eric Asomani Asante, from Ghana, is an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) teacher at Naylor SDA Basic School, Tema. He has overcome the lack of computers for ICT lessons by connecting one system to thirty monitors and created an offline website to teach internet topics without internet connectivity. His students, all belonging to fishing communities, achieve more Grade 1 results in ICT external exams than for any other subject.
Geisha Bonilla Cortes, from Chile, works as Director of the Lorenzo Baeza Vega School, Easter Island. She created an educational TV program to address the lack of in-person classes and internet access during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through her dedicated efforts, Geisha Bonilla Cortes has not only provided her students with a lifeline to education during these challenging times but has also demonstrated the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in addressing unique educational challenges.
Mariette Wheeler, from South Africa, is a Natural Sciences and Life Sciences teacher at the Protea Heights Academy in an isolated community. Despite the challenges, all of her learners pass the year and some have gone on to successfully earn degrees in Biomedical Sciences. Her work is a source of inspiration for educators and students alike, highlighting the profound difference that a committed teacher can make in the lives of their students.
Melissa Tracy, a teacher at Odyssey Charter School in the United States, is an extremely innovative teacher. She holds the distinction of being the sole educator in Delaware to provide an interdisciplinary Food Studies Career Pathway. Melissa’s students are not just learners; they are future professionals in the making, thanks to her inspiring and forward-thinking approach to education.
Nicolas Gaube, from France, has harnessed the power of YouTube to create a channel that transcends traditional teaching methods and expands the horizons of educational content. On this platform, he analyzes research articles, provides tutorials on digital tools, and demonstrates his classroom practices. His channel has attracted over 12,000 teacher subscribers.
Shafina Vohra, from the United Kingdom, teaches at an inner London school in Newham. Her key teaching innovation involves the creative use of LEGO. She employs LEGO to enhance keyword recall, establish connections between topics, and facilitate game-based learning. Her inventive teaching techniques serve as an inspiration to educators worldwide, demonstrating the profound impact that creative thinking can have on the field of education.
Sister Zeph, from Pakistan, began her own school at 13, teaching herself and local children. Today, she’s an education expert, global speaker, and community leader. Her inspiring journey includes facing adversity in 2006 when her home was attacked for educating girls, but she returned after six months, determined to support her students. Sister Zeph’s story is a testament to the power of determination and perseverance.
Annie Ohana, an educator at LA Matheson Secondary School in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, teaches subjects like social justice, law, social sciences, humanities, and French. She is an expert in anti-oppression and equity curriculum, focusing on liberator pedagogy and creating opportunities for historically marginalized communities to drive meaningful change. She works to create inclusive and affirming learning environments for all students, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.
Artur Proidakov, from Ukraine, developed a Ukrainian literature course for the “All-Ukrainian Online School” initiative amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This course proved to be an invaluable resource for countless Ukrainian teachers and students who had to transition to remote learning. His work is making a real difference in the lives of countless students and in the future of Ukraine.
