Two South African educators have secured spots in the Top 50 shortlist for the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2023, an accolade that highlights the significance of educators and the need to recognise and honour their contributions.
As per IOL, the award is presented in partnership with Unesco and Dubai Cares, a global philanthropic organisation headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, and aims to acknowledge the positive impact that outstanding teachers have on their students and the communities they serve.
The two educators are Mokolwane Masweneng, an English teacher at Dithothwaneng Senior Secondary School in Mphanama, Limpopo, and Mariette Wheeler, a science teacher at Protea Heights Academy in Cape Town. They stood out from a pool of over 7 000 nominations and applications originating from more than 130 countries.
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The prize’s main goal is to shine a spotlight on the incredible work of teachers worldwide by sharing stories of heroes who have transformed the lives of young individuals.
Masweneng, for instance, has dedicated his life to advancing education, particularly for girls, in his community. Despite facing financial constraints, he initiated a free coaching programme that has enabled other students to acquire professional qualifications.
Mokolwane is actively challenging traditional gender norms that hinder female education. He advocates for gender equality by encouraging girls to participate in activities traditionally reserved for boys. He provides his students with diverse learning opportunities through technology and international connections, becoming a staunch advocate for incorporating technology in the classroom. He has also initiated environmental projects to combat hunger and poverty in rural areas.
Mariette Wheeler has artfully merged her passions for biological research and teaching. With her background as a biological scientist, Wheeler emphasises simplicity when conveying complex content. Her teaching methods include group discussions, class debates, charades-style activities, and the use of educational apps to master challenging scientific vocabulary.
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Beyond the classroom, Wheeler contributes monthly marine life radio broadcasts to a local radio station, reaching an audience of approximately 400 000 people. In 2021, she earned the title of National Best Teacher and represented South Africa at the virtual Unesco World Teachers Day ceremony.
If she were to win the Global Teacher Prize, Wheeler envisions using the funds to establish a specialised medical facility for teenagers, enhance her church’s efforts in building a sustainable community, create a mobile science equipment unit to serve multiple schools, and set up a marine sciences research site.
Dr Tariq Al Gurg, chief executive and vice chairperson of Dubai Cares, stressed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the Global Teacher Prize, believing that investing in educators is an investment in societal advancement.
Unesco’s assistant director-general of education, Stefania Giannini, extended her warm congratulations to Mokolwane Masweneng and Mariette Wheeler, recognising the vital role of teachers in inspiring and preparing children and youth for the evolving world.
‘Unesco is a proud partner of the Global Teacher Prize because teachers deserve our great recognition. They inspire and prepare children and youth to navigate a rapidly evolving world. Their efforts play a leading role in transforming education for the future.’
The Global Teacher Prize, open to teachers in compulsory education for children aged 5–18, part-time teachers, online course instructors and those working with children aged 4 or older using a government-recognised early years curriculum, requires a commitment to teach for at least five more years, with a minimum of 10 hours per week. Teachers from various types of schools and, subject to national legislation, from every country are eligible to apply or be nominated.
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The evaluation criteria encompass teaching methods, innovative problem-solving approaches, measurable learning outcomes, community impact beyond the classroom, fostering global citizenship in students, strengthening the teaching profession, and receiving external recognition.
The deadline for applications for the next year’s prize is 25 June 2024, with submissions accepted at www.globalteacherprize.org. When teachers are nominated, the nominator provides a brief justification online, and nominated teachers receive an email inviting them to submit an application for the award along with notification of their nomination.
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