DUBAI: The million dollar Global Teacher Prize has received thousands of nominations as the deadline nears, Vikas Pota, Group Director of Corporate Affairs, GEMS Education and Chief Executive, Varkey GEMS Foundation, told XPRESS. Excerpts from the interview:
What is the aim and objective of instituting the world’s first million dollar teacher prize?
The Varkey GEMS Foundation established the prize to raise the stature of the teaching profession, so that children will dream of becoming the greatest teacher in the world. We seek to celebrate the best teachers, those who inspire their students and community around them. The foundation believes that vibrant education awakens and supports the full potential of young people. The status of teachers in our cultures is key to our global future.
Is this a one-off prize?
We aim is for it to be an annual prize – a ‘Nobel Prize’ for teachers.
How many entries have you received so far and from where?
We have received hundreds of applications and thousands of nominations from countries all around the world. We expect that applications will be in their thousands by the deadline date which is October 5.
What is the criteria to qualify?
Applicants of the Global Teacher Prize will be judged based on a rigorous set of criteria aimed to identify an extraordinary teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession. The academy will look for:
Recognition of a teacher’s achievements in the classroom and beyond from pupils, colleagues, head-teachers or members of the wider community.
Preparation of children to be global citizens in a world where they will encounter people from many different religions, cultures and nationalities.
Employment of innovative and effective instructional practices and achievement of demonstrable student learning outcomes in the classroom.
Development and sharing of innovative thought leadership that has improved access to quality teaching and education for children of all backgrounds.
Encouragement to others to join the teaching profession.
Accomplishments beyond the classroom that provide unique and distinguished models of excellence for the teaching profession.
Contribution to public debates on the teaching profession, whether through writing articles, blogs, media participation, social media campaigns, events or conferences.
Who will be on the jury?
Applications will be judged by the Global Teacher Prize Academy. The winner will be chosen by the prominent Global Teacher Prize Academy made up of head-teachers, educational experts, commentators, journalists, public officials, tech entrepreneurs, company directors and scientists from around the world. http://www.globalteacherprize.org/academy-members
When will the winner be announced? Where?
The winner will be announced at the Global Education and Skills Forum March 2015 in Dubai.
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