Global Teacher Prize

Regarded by many as the “Nobel Prize for Teaching”, the Global Teacher Prize is an initiative created in 2015 by the Varkey Foundation which is present in more than 120 countries, with the aim of celebrating and recognizing the role of teachers throughout the world. The distinction involves disseminating the best teaching methodologies and innovative projects developed by teachers, thus enhancing students' ability and school performance.

In Portugal, the project is in its third edition and will once again recognise the Portuguese teacher who is chosen as the best teacher of the year, with a prize of 30 thousand Euros. The award is addressed to all teachers who practice the profession, from preschool to 12th year of schooling, regular or others.

Since 2018, more than 310 teachers were involved in the initiative and more than 60 educational projects have been distinguished.

Trustworthy teachers

Teachers are one of the most trusted professions that the Portuguese value.

According to a study by the Varkey GEMS Foundation, Portugal ranks 14th out of 21 countries in a ranking that evaluates the social status of teachers.

Nevertheless, national teachers achieve better results than their counterparts in countries such as Switzerland, Germany, or Italy.

Teachers are placed among the three professions that the Portuguese trust the most, closely following doctors and firemen. According to a study by GfK on the first edition of the Global Teacher Prize, 91% of respondents stated that teachers were important to their school career and 86% acknowledged the importance teachers had in their lives overall. However, 89% of Portuguese people also admit that it is an exhausting profession and almost 70% of parents discourage their children from pursuing a teaching career. 92% of Portuguese people consider a good teacher to be one who can motivate their students.

Global Teacher Prize Portugal returns to acknowledge the teacher of the year After the success of the debut edition, this award, also known as the “Nobel Prize for Teachers” is back to find the most creative and innovative teacher of 2019

Testimonials

We also attribute an honorable mention to the project that is more aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, with the Foundation's values and axes from the perspective of educational projects.

Maria Inês Rodrigues

Maria Inês Rodrigues was among the 10 finalists of the 2019 Global Teacher Prize Portugal and was the winner of the honorable mention awarded by the Foundation. Teacher at the N°1 School Grouping in Gondomar, bases her classes on learning through problem solving, implementing the products developed by her students in communities in Africa or Portugal, and many have a sustainable nature. Maria Inês is founder of the NGOD Educafrica and explains in a simple way how she applies the knowledge of her classes in the other continent: "when students develop a solution, it is implemented in Africa and training is given to local teachers from Tabancas (villages), an excellent vehicle of information to be able to replicate the solutions. In the end, I return with feedback to make changes or to make the prototype execution, which will allow anyone, anywhere in the world, replicate the concept."