Should There Be A Nobel Prize For Teachers?

Given that the Nobel Prize has been awarded to those who had done very well tin the field of science, literature, peace and economics – should there be one for teachers?

By: Ringo Bones

A wise person once said that without teachers, scientists, literary geniuses, peace negotiators and economists would be in very, very short supply – it is quite a shame that the Nobel Committee doesn’t honor the contribution of teachers to the betterment of mankind. Though we might blame Alfred Nobel for that given he didn’t mention awards for teachers in his will. Given the circumstance, should there be an equivalent of a “Nobel Prize for teachers”?

Luckily there is and it is called the “Global Teacher Prize”. The Varkey Foundation launched the Global Teacher Prize back in March 2014 to celebrate the best teachers around the world, those who inspire students and the communities around them. The Global Teacher Prize seeks to do for education what the Nobel Prize has done for the sciences, literature, peace and economics. The focus is to uplift the valuable contributions that teachers make everyday to establish a flourishing global society.

This 2015, the winner is Nancy Atwell from the U.S. state of Maine receiving her Global Teacher Prize award from Sunny Varkey of the Varkey Foundation. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai and the former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

Applications will be judged by the Global Teacher Prize Academy and 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. Even though only a fortunate few would win, all of which could mean recognition for the hard work done every day by teachers the world over.