Inspiring stories from around the world

What are the Dedicated Teacher Awards?

Teachers play a vital role in the lives of their students and often make a
difference without even knowing it. The Dedicated Teacher Awards are a
global competition in which students past and present can nominate their
teachers and say a well-deserved thank you.

This is our opportunity to join with people around the world to show our
appreciation for the hard work that teachers put in every day. If you use a
Cambridge University Press textbook published from May 2021, you will find
our dedicated winner and finalists on the very first page – as recognition and
thanks to them and all dedicated teachers around the world.

This eBook contains the heart-warming stories shortlisted for the Dedicated
Teacher Awards 2021; we hope you enjoy reading them as much as we did.
To the teachers featured in these pages – congratulations! We hope your
nomination is something you are very proud of.

And to teachers everywhere: you are doing an amazing job, thank you.
Recognising the outstanding efforts of teachers during
COVID-19
The Dedicated Teacher Awards are particularly pertinent this year due to
the pandemic, which has highlighted the extraordinary efforts of teachers to
continue their students’ learning, even when schools were closed.

This year, we have highlighted the shortlisted entries that exemplify how
teachers have gone above and beyond in responding to school closures.
Make sure to look out for the star symbol whilst reading through the shortlist.
Regional Category
Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia

Alicia See
Tenby Setia Eo Gardens, Malaysia
Ms Alicia is the best music teacher our primary school has ever had. Ms Alicia showed what is possible if a teacher is
willing to learn and if she cares for her students. As the first teacher in school to conduct live online lessons during
the very first week of lockdown, she paved the way for other teachers to do the same. Considerate of everyone’s
financial and musical ability, she adapted her lessons so that by the end of the year, every primary student Year 4 and
above could play two instruments despite the year long lockdown. Ms Alicia organised a virtual school choir, an art
competition for the awareness and appreciation for COVID-19 frontliners, and an online family drumming workshop in
conjunction with Chinese New Year and more. Ms Alicia is warm, inclusive and dedicated. She makes us all love music -
what more could we ask for!

Isaac Ryan
Suzanne Cory High School, Australia
Isaac teaches VCE, one of his students was visually impaired. Isaac faced many challenges especially during the
lockdown, but he didn’t let anything get in the way of facilitating his students’ learning journey including his student
who had vision impairment. Isaac started by ordering a special calculator from overseas for that student to use during
the lessons, and he taught himself how to read braille to experience how his student read the content. Moreover, he
scheduled many support classes to ensure that this student is not missing out anything because of COVID-19. That
student successfully passed the subject, and Isaac was always in contact with him throughout his learning journey,
making sure that not only he was facilitating his education, but he was mentally supporting him. Isaac went above and
beyond to ensure this student reached his full potential, and for that, I am nominating him for the award.
Julie Ann Quizon
Bulacan Polytechnic College, Philippines
Ma’am Julie Ann D. Quizon is very exceptional. Besides teaching her subjects inside the classroom, she shares a piece
of her with all of her learners. She motivates us to give our very best in everything we do. She never stops acquiring
more knowledge to impart with us. She renders extra supplementary coachings even on her day-offs. She is always
one call away. She never fails to extend a helping hand to her current and former students. We have witnessed her
contributions to the environment and community as well. She regularly participates in tree planting events and
environmental advocacies, she even stays up all night to repack relief goods for the victims of calamities. She possess
the qualities of a role model mentor. She is a teacher at home, in school, and in our society. She is a teacher 24/7, 360°.
She is a dedicated teacher indeed.

Kurnia Wati
SMA Negeri Sumatera Selatan, Indonesia
Our school has noble purposes, which provide full scholarships for underprivileged children in South Sumatera. Ms
Naya believes that although we come from a poor family, we still have odds to get a decent education and being a
successful person in the future. This awesome woman is one of the few teachers that doesn’t tell her students to “keep
silent”. She encourages us to speak up and give our best opinions. She is very persistent and valiant to motivate all of
her students. Her English passion has shaped every student, even staff in the school area, to speak English confidently.
She also teaches us to be promising entrepreneurs, improving our leadership skills, and motivate us to be excellent
students. That’s why our school is never absent to get so many achievements in each of the weeks. She invigorated us
and stalwart herself to becoming our staircase toward our desire.
Regional Category
Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia

Malisa Oktarina
SMAN Sumatera Selatan, Indonesia
Friendly, caring, yet firm. Maybe those few words can represent my response to my favourite teacher, Mrs. Malisa.
She taught me physics back in high school and was one of the influences that helped me decide to become an
engineer in the future. I remember the first day of class when Mrs. Malisa wrote an equation on the board. She said
this was the most essential equation we would use this entire year in physics. The equation was Physics = Toys. She
stated that we would learn not primarily from reading but from playing and investigating. She was right and very
devoted to having her students understand rather than remembering. She changed my view of life and the path
that I followed. If I have half the influence on the people around me as she did with me, I consider my choice of the
profession will be successful.

Mariam Assafiri
Australian International Academy, Australia
Mariam proposed creating a sustainable garden and robotics program at her school. Due to budgeting, the school
was unable to fully-fund it. That did not stop Mariam who organised a fundraising festival where she secured funds
to start-up and coordinate those programs, which lead to a functioning sustainable garden, and robotics program.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Mariam took responsibility of facilitating all the online learning platforms at the
school, including remote parents-teachers interviews, and training staff, parents, and students on how to use various
eLearning platforms. Mariam provided 24/7 support to ensure remote learning is running smoothly. She oversaw and
troubleshooted all the issues the school community had; All of that while teaching her classes and providing one-on-
one support for students who were falling behind with their work.
Maya Devi Kusumadjaja
Intan Permata Hati, Indonesia
Meeting Ms. Maya was the most pivotal moment in my journey of studying science. She made me realize that learning
is not merely aiming for good grades but also applying what we learn to help others. She always works to spark and
guide our curiosity as students towards identifying and solving problems the world faces through research. She
has never hesitated to work extra hours and go the extra miles to ensure that her students will be the best they can
be. Ms. Maya’s passion in educating extends beyond the school’s wall. I learned that Ms. Maya trained teachers in
underprivileged regions of Indonesia to help students across the country. Her spirit of academic altruism, passion in
science, and kind heart has inspired me to pursue a career in scientific research so I can be a part of the solution in
solving the world’s problems.

Mohana Ram Murugiah

Methodist Girls’ School Ipoh, Malaysia
Our English teacher Mr. Mohana does not only mesmerise us with his teaching skills and storytelling techniques. He
goes beyond that by instilling the value of serving the underprivileged community in our society. Under his belt, we
had the opportunity to carry out various community projects. One of it was “The Soup Kitchen” project where we made
sandwiches and other foods for the homeless near our school. Besides, we also did a visit to the animal shelter recently
donating food for the stray animals that were caught and kept in captive. We cleaned the animal shelters and fed the
poor dogs. In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, created a giant ‘Thank You’ card for the frontliners to thank them for
their hard work in treating the COVID-19 patients. Our projects under the guidance of Mr. Mohana have taught us
beyond what we could learn in classroom. Appreciation, love and compassion.
Regional Category
Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia

Peggy Pesik
Sekolah Buin Batu Sumbawa Island, Indonesia
I would like to nominate Miss Peggy because she is a dedicated Art teacher who got infected by the COVID-19
last February, but she still does her best to teach her students online from the hospital while she is still tied with
oxygen and infused hoses. Nothing can stop her to work on her passion. Even in this difficult situation, she was
unstoppable to make Art and kept organized Art events such as the Virtual Arts Festival and Exhibition in December
2020. She is very creative, inspiring and a hard worker. She’s not just teaching Art but also character building by
sharing some motivational stories and inspirations. While teaching at the remote area in Sumbawa island, she is also
supporting local women to make and sell local handicraft which is the Traditional Sumbawa Tenun fabric. This award
is the appreciation for her dedication, effort to do more and beyond expectation.

Ryan Jay Riconalla

St. Paul University Dumaguete, Philippines
Sir Ryan is an outstanding influential educator who aims in improving physiological aspects in students and awakening
the unknowns making them known, as well as hearing the voices of the unheard. He is not just an educator but he is
indeed a friend, a companion, and especially a mentor. He seeks in boosting hidden talents of students who are afraid
to show off, he encourages everyone to get involved so that he can impart his wisdom too. What I love most about him
is that, he goes the extra mile for us being a mentor in both Drama Club and Journalism, he provides for our foods and
other necessities during the trainings. He even spend his weekends just to train us that’s how determined he is to teach
us. Surely, he’s really passionate about what he’s doing, not just that he makes most of the students dreams come to life.
Regional Category
Central & Southern Africa

Akinlabi Abayomi
Doregos Private Academy, Nigeria
While I was in secondary school there was a time I had a lot of family issues and it affected my studies badly. In one of
the terms, I was supposed to get a C in biology unless I wouldn’t be promoted. Mr. Akinlabi called everyone affected
and decided to do extra lessons for free and encouraged us to read more. At the end of the term, I got an A which
was very surprising. He really tried for us because we all got nothing less than C and were all promoted. He is really a
dedicated teacher.

Banjo Adewale
Magbon Alade Junior High School, Nigeria
This teacher is a male, but was very ready to help a female student who was in deep distress, very sick and pregnant.
Her single mother drove her out of home. She was homeless. He sought for a place where she could work and have
food to eat daily for her. He continued following up the state of health of the student until she got completely well.
She almost dropped out of school, but he was resilient in encouraging her. Fortunately with the COVID-19 school
break she got through her predicament and was brought back to school. Now she is fully integrated back to normal
school activities. As her school Counsellor, he has kept encouraging her to remain focused on her studies.
Charnelle Hector
Belmor Primary, South Africa
Ms Hector from Belmor Primary School is truly a hero. She has many super powers: X- ray vision: She can see through
tantrums and bad attitudes. Supersonic hearing: She hears what we can’t bring ourselves to say. Invisibility: Even-
though we can’t see her because we’ve left primary school, she’s always with us. When I was in Grade 1, Ms Hector
bought a very poor boy his heart’s desire: a rabbit! With carrots! I couldn’t believe it! I didn’t know teachers even did
that! Since then I always wanted to be in her class when I reached Grade 7. We used to make sandwiches in her class
with encouraging notes attached. The project was called Sow-A-Sandwich. This is only one of the projects she does.
She calls it Triple S: 1. Sow-A-Sandwich. 2. Sole Mates: buying/getting donations for school shoes. 3. Sanitary Savy:
giving girls sanitary towels.

Chris Lembalemba
International School of Lusaka, Zambia
Mr Lembalemba is one of the most dedicated teachers I have met. He cares so much about his students that he
often gives up his spare time and comes to school on weekends to help them with their assignments. In fact, he
stayed in school from 8am to 8pm on a Saturday to help me perform an experiment for my IB Physics extended
essay. Furthermore, he went above and beyond the syllabus by teaching me how to fix a laptop charger. He has even
promised to teach me soldering! His passion for teaching physics and engineering principles is unmatched and he
deserves to win the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Award.
Regional Category
Central & Southern Africa

Kafilat Abolarin
King Ado Senior High school, Nigeria
She is a Biology teacher/Counsellor who is so selfless in all she does. She goes out of her way to carry out revision
exercises with students before other teachers arrive school. Shares her food daily with students who do not have to eat.
Visits students with challenges in their homes. She overwhelmingly loves just every students that comes her way. She is
always willing to respond whenever she is called to carry out any assignment. She is a Counsellor with difference. She
not only counsels students, but also counsels teachers. She is deserving of an award.

Mario Muller
Ecole Ruban Vert International School, Gabon
Mario used the school choir to add our singers to the International Baccalaureate World choir for the opening
ceremony of the IB Conference. It was not simply that ERV students took part, but Mario then presented the choir’s
work in online assemblies during the peak of COVID-19 in order to teach singing to both staff and students. The
purpose was not academic but was to keep our spirits up in the darkest hours of COVID-19 lockdown here in
central Africa, at a time when staff had not had holidays and students had not been to school for 6 months. The
initiative was continued with online assemblies for the entire 6 month lockdown period and continues today in
online assemblies (we are open but not allowed gatherings of more than 30 students). Mario has had teachers and
students lifting our spirits with musical numbers in an extraordinarily positive sense of togetherness.
 Nonhlanhla Masina
African School for Excellence, South Africa
Ms. Masina co-founded an incredible school in her South African township community in 2013. Her best work occurred
in 2020, when she took full leadership of the school. When the pandemic hit, Ms. Masina refused allow any excuses.
She instituted Whatsapp classes because students lacked the internet access or home computers, then ensured that
every student received internet data and an external keyboard from the school. She taught six classes herself, in four
subjects, in addition to managing staff. The result is that last year, ASE achieved by far the best results it has ever had,
and is poised to do the same in 2021. The level of dedication, toughness, and skill that Ms. Masina has shown over the
past year is unparalleled by anything I have seen in education—or in any field—in my career.

Ruth Samoei
Kapkoros Fam, Kenya
Teacher Ruth teaches children with special needs in an integrated school where some of her students have hearing
impairments and speech disorders. To make these children part of the entire school she decided to introduce sign
language classes to the rest of the school to enhance communication amongst all learners. It’s something really new
and it opens up the world for all the children as communication barriers are minimized.
Regional Category
Central & Southern Africa

Stephanie Akinwoya
IJU Senior Grammar School, Nigeria
My nomination for the most dedicated teacher goes to Stephanie Akinwoya for the positive impact she made in my life
as a student. She chose me with four other students to participate in an extracurricular competition where we made a
prototype of a water treatment plant. At first, it wasn’t easy designing such project from scratch because we had certain
setbacks - whether availability of materials or funds. Personally, she made it available and it triggered a passion for
me and the others to complete the project and present it in the competition. She thought me how to move beyond
setbacks which I held with high esteem till date. The good news is that we won the third place in the competition.

Victor Okechukwu Igwegbe

Danijoy International Schools, Nigeria
Mr. Igwegbe is an exceptional science teacher who goes out of his way to bring home the concept of geography to
his young listeners who look up to him. This is even more noteworthy owing to his resolution to bridge the gap in an
educationally challenged country like Nigeria. He encouraged school heads to promote a culture of field work vis-a-
vis theoretical learning. As such, he sacrifices personal comfort to take his students on excursions and on-site visits in
a way that is unforgettable. Furthermore, Mr. Igwegbe is known for volunteering to teach in rural communities so as
to reach children that are often left behind due to poor infrastructure and disadvantaged backgrounds. He has also
recommended measures to protect students from sexual exploitation. He also designs curriculums that are inclusive
of persons with disabilities.
Regional Category
East & South Asia

Christopher McInnes
Harrow International School, Hong Kong
Throughout 2020 he has continuously challenged me to continue exploring and practicing my creative expression in
theatre, despite lockdown and social-distancing. First, in May he has helped my original project by highlighting shared
sentiments of students in lockdown, as an actor. Secondly, he has given me the opportunity to assistant direct a school
play, such mentorship has given me maximum exposure to the theatre in spite of actual theatres being closed. This
became crucial to my university application, as a perspective drama student in university, for which he was also able
to help me with character development and mock-trials for my successful auditions. Even during lockdown he was
able to provide me with a reading list of exceptional plays that have enhanced my playwriting style. His support on my
creative journey has made me more confident in my execution and has inspired me to be a better director myself.

Danny Nason
Island School, Hong Kong
Danny is my wonderful colleague. He has always been an inspiring teacher, but since we have been working online - wow!
Not only has he created and shared a range of interactive online lessons, he has also helped the department to develop our
IT and digital skills to enhance our lessons (Flipgrid, Powtoon, padlet etc.). This has made all our lessons far more interactive
and engaging for our students. Danny has really developed students independent reading in Island School, with student
reading ambassadors who do a monthly newsletter of recommended reads, and arranging online book club sessions with
international authors - Nguyen Phan Que Mai (The Mountains Sing) and Booker Prize winner Douglas Stuart (Shuggie Bains),
which are inspiring for both staff and students alike. He is also working with Roshan, a refugee charity in Indonesia, where he
supports online writing classes for female refugees to document their experiences.
 Farhana Rashid
Chittagong Grammar School, Bangladesh
Ms. Farhana Rashid has been inspiring students with her kindness and warmth for the past 19 years. She believes in
no boundaries when it comes to caring. Her endeavors are not only limited to the classrooms but she goes above
and beyond to help students in crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many students and their families fell sick.
One special case was of a family where all the elders were hospitalized and her student, an 8 years old girl, was left
home alone. Ms. Farhana contacted her several times a day to inquire about her safety. She read bedtime stories on
the phone and even taught how to make easy meals. Weekends were no different, volunteering to support her with
lessons missed. Ms. Farhana Rashid has been a pillar of strength for us all. A true inspiration and a person who never
fails to bring a smile on the face.

Gurjeet Kaur Saggu

Billabong High International School, India
My Physics teacher not only loves to teach, but also consistently works to make her classroom a better place for all
of us. Teaching science with no access to laboratory, one can only rely on the videos for observing the experiments.
In this lockdown her kitchen served as a well-equipped lab and she never went short of ingredients or samples
to be more scientific. From using spatula, tongs, lemon squeezer to explain the concept of Types of lever to using
food colour for explaining convection currents the list is endless. Students performing and learning the refraction
experiment using cooking oil and sugar syrup provided true experiential learning. As they say “Science and
everyday life cannot and should not be separated”, is clearly seen in her sessions. Her efforts are not just to teach
science as a subject but to make it a way of thinking.
Regional Category
East & South Asia

Raminder Kaur Mac

Cholthram School, India
Mrs. Mac has enabled me to transcend boundaries and envision the world with a different perspective. She engaged
us in collaborative projects and discussions with overseas school students to explore SDGs and delve deeper into local
and global issues. Being the TED-Ed Club facilitator, she provided us a platform to discuss topics like sex education,
LGBTQ+ with rising awareness. Leading the school’s enterprise ‘Good Earth’, she catalysed our crusade for bringing
ecological sustainability and social responsibility, making us realise how entrepreneurial ventures can create a colossal
impact. She mentored us in our project ‘The Amygdala’ aimed at improving mental health of adolescents, connecting
us with professionals and peers across the globe through international webinars, assisting us to grow both in scope
and impact. She is a harbinger of change and my guiding force.

Ross Burrough
Island School, Hong Kong
Ross has developed numerous social projects both at school and in the local community that have had positively
impacted different populations in Hong Kong. The projects he led include leading students to meet with legislators to
speak out against the East Lantau Metropolis, the Zero Waste Initiative he launched which aimed to reduce wastes of
food, polystyrene, plastics, and liquid cartons on the school campus, and Green Weeks which saw interactive activities
to advocate sustainable living, talks every day from environmental NGOs and charities, and the reusable mask design
competition during the pandemic. He also cooperated with the school catering service, to replace plastic cutlery with
metal cutlery to reduce plastic waste. In addition, Ross supported students by filming in Borneo to raise awareness of
the habitats of endangered Orangutans being destroyed due to palm oil plantations and logging.
Srinivas Swamy
The Doon School, India
VIDEO NOMINATION

Teri Eves
ESF Island School, Hong Kong
Ms Eves is an awe-inspiring teacher who has definitely gone way above and beyond. She connects with us
personally and is our teacher, friend, mentor all blended into one. With her creative and engaging lessons, and the
extremely detailed and personalised feedback she provides, she selflessly dedicates her time and effort to making
learning unparalleled. She is so devoted and committed that no matter when I email her during break, weekends,
or even holidays, I would almost instantly receive a reply. In her English lessons, her encouragement pushed me
out of my comfort zone, making me keen to learn more. She also plays a vital role of bridging our school with the
neighbouring community through social projects such as Community English, elderly visits, and gardening activities.
As our role model, Ms Eves empowers us to be future leaders and global citizens.
Regional Category
East & South Asia

Tulika Bathija
Nagoya International School, Japan
Tulika is one of those once-in-a-generation teachers who impacts lives. A social justice warrior who knows how to
connect with empathy and compassion to her learners, Tulika has been changing perception, challenging thinking
and supporting meaningful action with our students and staff since joining us from India several years ago. Through
the nurturing of the ‘Nagoya action heroes’, a student action group focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, Tulika
has shifted the dialogue not only at our school but within the local and even National community in Japan - and our
community is safer and better as a result. She is also active globally, modelling the impact she inspires in our students.
She is, indeed, an outstanding teacher, and deserves to be recognized at the highest level.

Udhaya Prabha
Kalvi Group of Schools, India
Ms Udhaya has a heart of kindness to do her part in helping students in the economically low status. She provides
notebooks, pens and pencils to many students in her neighbourhood who cannot afford to buy. At school she is a
dedicated teacher with a willingness to share the responsibilities of her peers in times of need. She has the ability
to spot those kids in need of extra teaching, specifically in reading and gives them her best support to make them
confident readers. She endeavours to provide a holistic learning environment to all her students and definitely is the
favourite teacher for most of the students.
Regional Category
Europe

Anna Murray
British Council France, France
Anna demonstrates our diversity values in everything she does; she leads our school book club, for which she has
developed a diverse book list featuring authors and protagonists of colour, and tackling contemporary topics - and all
while making sure these are accessible to students learning English as a foreign language. The impact on students is
incredible. One commented this is the first time she has felt ‘seen’ for her identity as a PoC. Anna embeds EDI in the
lessons she makes and shares and other teachers cherish her support. Her extraordinary work with one of her students
who has an SEN and is nonverbal has led to the student making her first attempts to speak in English after several
years of studying. In my time as a manager, I have never had a managee for whom I received so many emails
of compliments.

Ayten Kyazimova
Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev Primary School, Bulgaria
VIDEO NOMINATION
 Dean Gilder
New Rickstones Academy, United Kingdom
I have nominated Dean Gilder for this award as he has gone above and beyond for not only his year group (also mine),
but he has done so for the entire school and surrounding schools. During the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst the country
was in total lockdown, he did everything he could’ve to ensure we all stayed fit and healthy at home. He consistently set
out challenges for the students to accomplish, fitness games for us to play, live-streamed workouts we could watch, and
so much more. Also, there was a prize at the end for whoever did the most fitness which clearly made more students
wanting to get involved. In fact, one of the prizes was an £80 watch. How brilliant! This shows that his goal was our well-
being. So in conclusion, I nominate Dean Gilder for his zealousness, diligence, benevolence, and loyalty to his job.

Hana Filipová
Prague British International School, Czech Republic
Ms. Hanka is an outstanding teacher. During lockdown she made sure that her students had the best resources to
learn online. She turned her kitchen into a classroom and used her fridge & magnets as her new whiteboard. Ms.
Hanka often used props, costumes, instruments and even her daughter as an assistant during the engaging lessons.
The lessons covered all aspects of the curriculum and she also made herself available to the students and parents
when they just needed to talk. She also created amazing videos of songs and stories to keep her students entertained
throughout this stressful time. The students & parents were extremely appreciative. The world needs more dedicated
teachers like Ms. Hanka.
Regional Category
Europe

Irfan Gazdar
Agora Lledo International, Spain
VIDEO NOMINATION

Jo Downie
Dame Allan’s Sixth Form, United Kingdom
Mrs Downie has gone above and beyond her role to provide the best pastoral care for our entire year. She’s
personally supported me through my difficulties by having lunch with me every week and has been involved, even
when I wasn’t technically part of her year group. She even organised regular meetings with my mum and my doctor
to find out how school can support me, something that has continued in lockdown. She also trains members of
the sixth form in how to be peer mentors, skills they can then use to provide pastoral care to the younger years,
this has made the school have a more open, community atmosphere, this has all been helped by her work. She
has continued this work through lockdown, she still runs peer mentoring, support groups and also has individual
sessions with students who are struggling, all on a weekly basis.
 Kath Greene
Westgate Hill Primary, United Kingdom
Kath has been in school every single day of lockdown working with our most vulnerable and challenging children. She
is always enthusiastic and upbeat and the children absolutely love her. From supporting challenging children with their
remote learning, to taking time to care and talk with them and to playing football at break times, Kath is an absolute
credit to the team and has an undoubtable positive impact on our children’s lives.

Laura Tiernan
Featherstone Primary and Nursery School, United Kingdom
Laura has been an exceptional role model and inspiration for the whole school within her specialist field of PE, far
beyond the lockdown, but especially during. She loves dressing up for special school events encouraging all the
children to participate - she continually seeks to offer opportunities for all children across school to feel included,
engaged and inspired. From organising opportunities for children to attend sporting events (Women’s FS cup, rugby
matches) and inviting organisers in, tournaments through the year, and enhancing school grounds; she works tirelessly
to seek grants, and has posted engaging PE content every single day to keep our school active in lockdown - the staff,
parents and children love Miss Tiernan and she deserves recognition.
Regional Category
Europe

Marine Porchkhidze
LEPL Zestaponi Kldeeti Public School, Georgia
She is a teacher who spends all her time as a volunteer with students after school. She has been working for years in
English language School Clubs, Summer Language Schools, Technology and Debate Club after school completely
free of charge. She spends all her free time in educating students completely free of charge. When the COVID-19
pandemic started, she started a volunteer project, formed a team with other teachers and helped students to study
different subjects for free and helped students to pass the National University Exams, especially students from
economically disadvantaged families. The project is now ongoing. She also works as a volunteer teacher in a juvenile
detention center. She is innovative at school lessons, all the children love her because she changed many children’s life
for better. She dedicates herself education as a volunteer after school. I want to be a teacher like her in the future.

Steven Arnold
St Margaret Mary’s Junior School, United Kingdom
Mr Arnold is a creative and funny teacher. He makes learning fun and always encourages me to do the best I can. Mr
Arnold has lead the way for my school with online learning during the pandemic, he does 4 hours zoom teaching
every school day and also sets us lots of work to do on google classroom, he is always there to support us and
parents. His daily lessons allow us to still be able to learn together and bring me happiness seeing my friends are
happy and well. He does a zoom quiz on a Friday afternoon where we can wear fancy dress and it is so funny to see
him in a wig and making everyone laugh, he makes teaching fun and involves our families by setting us tasks to
make models and crafts, he is the best teacher, works very hard and cares for everyone.
Regional Category
Middle East & North Africa

Annamma Lucy
Our Own English High School, Sharjah (Boys Branch), United Arab Emirates
Ms. Annamma Lucy prepares kids for the road ahead in life. A teacher whose impact goes beyond the classroom.
She has given up her personal and family time to be with poor students, visited Uganda, Iraq, villages in India,
encouraged students to participate in the UNICEF Kids Power. As an EXPO 2020 volunteer she hosted rewired talks
and encouraged students across UAE to participate in meaningful conversations on education. And I should not forget
to say about the Learning journey Programme which she conducted free for all students across UAE during the time
of Pandemic. She is an inspiration not only for me but for all teacher community. As a Social study teacher, I see her
encouraging her students to respect women, patriotism, good deeds, and I am proud to say she is my colleague.

Bindu Sunilkumar
Our Own English High School, Sharjah (Boys Branch), United Arab Emirates
VIDEO NOMINATION
Kainat Aamir
Lacasmilestone Lahore, Pakistan
We so much appreciate the special attention you have given to Kelly while he has been hospitalized off and on
throughout the year. As you know, such extended absences can play havoc with a child’s relationships with other
students, and you have been particularly sensitive to making Kelly feel a part of the group when he was able to be in
class. Specifically, I want to thank you for the several occasions when you gave the other children time to make cards
and write notes to Kelly. Not only were you teaching your fourth-graders writing skills, you were teaching them to care
about other people. That, I’m sure, is a direct reflection of your own personal commitment to your students. And what a
wonderful idea to record their class parties and special days to send home for sakina.

Lynda Fernandes
Cambridge International School, United Arab Emirates
Lynda strives to incorporate a range of inclusive and interactive learning opportunities that go beyond the curriculum.
This is evident in how Lynda encourages students to take on risk and entrepreneurship through her facilitation of
a student led innovation programme that also provides mentorship for students to develop innovative projects.
Successful school-wide Innovation Days (now in their sixth year) have created a platform for pupils to take “learning
risks” without the fear of failure and experiment with socially impactful innovations, some of which have reached global
stages. To help foster social-responsibility and the sense of giving back, Lynda founded the Charity Committee which
has involved all students and staff in numerous fundraising projects, like building a school in Malawi, Pinktober in
support of breast cancer. Emirates Red Crescent stationery drive and online volunteering to teach spoken English.
Regional Category
Middle East & North Africa

Muhammad Shabbir
Nada International School, Saudi Arabia
I got a big turning point in my life due to the guidance and support of Mr. Muhammad. His innovative and interesting
teaching methodologies help the students to grasp knowledge at once. He is always on his toes to help his students.
Last Term, I missed a number of my lessons due to serious Tuberculosis and, struggling to cope with the missing
lessons. I was under great depression due to poor grades. He came up with a great smile and brought me out of
pitiable conditions with his motivational speech and extra help. He helped me during weekends and off days with
his extraordinary teaching skills to cover my missing tasks and, guide me to achieve good grades. He inculcated my
interest in the subject in order to fulfil my dreams. In short, he changed my perspective of life with not only academic
success but also help in character building.

Nida Akram
Beaconhouse School System Canal Side Boys Campus, Pakistan
VIDEO NOMINATION
Sadia Javaid
Beaconhouse School System Canal Side Boys Campus, Pakistan
If you want to find a personality with all good human qualities that one may desire, Miss Sadia fulfils the description.
Miss Sadia taught me chemistry in my O Levels. I owe her for enabling me to achieve an outstanding result in my CAIE.
Apart from the classroom, we enjoyed her company in various science competitions. I remember participating in the
Intel ISEF science project competition with my friend, where she helped us rearrange the electrolysis circuit when it
stopped working just before judges came for evaluation. We were panicked at the moment while she ran to the market
nearby and bought a new ice-tray. Thankfully, we were able to present the project properly. Her amazingly awesome
nature made me feel school more like my home as she would guide me to the right way like a mother training her son.
I am grateful to her kindness and love for me.

Samira Chaibeddra
Royal School of Languages, Algeria
Miss Samira Chaibeddra has been a dedicated teacher in our school for 9 years and as a principal I have always seen
her devotion to voluntary work and her lavish help in improving her local community. In 2016, she launched TEO
(Teaching English to Orphans) voluntary project to teach English to school-age orphans for free since most of them
are generally unable to afford private tuition in Algeria. After a few months of teaching them English, not only their
level was bettered and they scored highly in English exams, these orphans’ self-confidence was notably boosted. It
was also remarkable that their participation in the school trips and various school celebrations promoted their social
development. She is currently working on extending her project to reach other private schools in her hometown, Jijel,
and in other Algerian cities.
Regional Category
Middle East & North Africa

Shamsa Waseem
The City School, Johar Campus, Pakistan
Ms. Shamsa has always been there for me. She taught me for 3 years (7th-9th grade). I was a very shy person who
never believed in herself. I had stage anxiety as well. Ms. Shamsa encouraged me to do broadcasting in our morning
assemblies and to take part in different debate competitions just to boost up my confidence. Whenever I failed in my
attempts of delivering my speech on stage, she would motivate me to try again and she taught me to never give up. It
was only because of her that a naive person like me became the president of Orators’ club at our school in 9th grade
and none of the morning assemblies reached their completion without my speech that year. I was able to do great in
all of my interviews (for A-levels College and then University) just because of the confidence she gave me.

Zunaira Abubakr
Lahore Gramma School Izmir Town, Pakistan
Miss Zunaira is not only our school teacher, she has been an inspiration and her balanced life is a perfect role model.
I suffered the death of my dearest family members last year and I was in trauma. I was suffering from anxiety and
depression, consequently my grades dropped. I did not share because I did not want the sympathy of people but my
English teacher, noticed a change in me. I still remember when she pleasantly placed her hand on my shoulder and
referred to me as the best writer for a competition. I started converting my pain and agony into writings and I found
it a beautiful way of letting out aggression. It helped me find my passion, writing and it certainly got me out of my
miserable state. How she treated me when I was at my worst is why I nominate her.
Regional Category
North & South America

Allyson Even
KIPP University Prep, United States
Allyson Even creates the learning experience best for her 12th grade IB History students. During the pandemic she
implemented techniques to engage students and prepare them for college level - all online. She also worked in a
Masters Degree program in Environmental Sciences to expand her own understanding of how the sciences and
humanities connect. In doing so she has opened up new areas of study for our students including local history on the
first integrated lunch counter post-segregation in the United States located just a few miles from our school to studies
of the environmental impact of Chernobyl’s meltdown and the continuing costs and consequences of the Cold War.
She also sought out a documentary film producer to get approval to screen a showing of their film on the role of
women in the Nicaraguan revolution. She is truly a teacher that seeks to make the impossible possible.

Brittany VanZandt
East Jackson Secondary School, United States
In the summer between 7th and 8th grade, (I’m in 8th grade now) she ordered the first two Hunger Games books
and sent them to my house via Amazon as a surprise. We were reading them in class and I remember telling her how
much I was enjoying the story. Unfortunately, our school was shut down and moved to online due to COVID-19, and
I remember interacting with her back and forth, keeping in touch and telling her how I was disappointed that we
couldn’t continue the story. Out of nowhere, I get a package with the first two books. It was an amazing surprise and
the Hunger Games is now one of my favorite series. Not only that, but she is very polite and helpful when it comes to
helping her students.
Elizabeth Polo
Air Base K-8 Center for International Education, United States
Inside Elizabeth’s classroom, her students are excavating ancient bones or up to their elbows in pumpkin pulp! As a
master at individualizing instruction and through reflective practices, she empowers global citizens. Connecting with
a class in Tanzania via video conferencing over the past four years, her students have cultivated the empowerment of
different cultures via interviews and video messaging. Elizabeth’s impacts expand across grade levels and the nation
as she empowers educators with technology enhancements as a Microsoft Innovative Educator. As chairperson of
Advanced Academics, Elizabeth super heads an annual theme which culminates in a school-wide expo and a field trip
outside of the county. Using the Cambridge Global Perspectives curriculum, she has created her own project-based
resources that she has presented via professional developments across our school district.

Evan Dutmer
Culver Academies, United States
My sophomore year, I was going through one of the hardest time of my life. My Dad had recently been diagnosed
with cancer and I had no hope in terms of my education. I had planned on dropping out of Culver and returning to
a public high school in Chicago. Dr. Dutmer changed all that for me. He allowed me to recognize the beauty of the
world around me and although things may be hard, we can all grow together and as one. Because of him, I found a
passion for spoken Latin that I did not know was possible. I cannot explain in a short 150 words how much he has
improved my desire to continue my educational path.
Regional Category
North & South America

John Ball
Oasis Middle School, United States
Since the very beginning of the year, Mr. Ball has gone out of his way to notify my classmates and I about phenomenal
opportunities. Whether it be chances at winning a scholarship or even volunteer work in the community, Mr. Ball has
never failed to relay the information. Earlier this year, Mr. Ball generously put my name forth for consideration for a
prestigious scholarship nomination. When I applied, he wrote a letter of recommendation that I was able to submit
with my application. If it weren’t for Mr. Ball, I would not be in the position I am today, and I will forever be grateful for
everything he has done to help me succeed.

Melissa Crosby
Frankfort High School, United States
I am a Special Education teacher, co-teaching Algebra I within the Regular Education classroom with Melissa Crosby.
I believe Melissa GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND each and every day for her students. She arrives at school before
most everyone except the custodians and is normally the very last to leave. She dedicates her planning periods, her
transition time (in between classes), and after school hours to helping students master the content in her classes. She
is fantastic with differentiated instruction and makes every student feel successful, no matter the degree. More so, she
has done this all while fighting off brain tumors and cancer. She is the ultimate educator who exemplifies what it means
to GO ABOVE AND BEYOND with no limitations!
 Michelle Guerra
Dakota Ridge High School, United States
Mrs. Guerra has spent countless hours and works well past midnight to improve her knowledge of technology and
create engaging lessons for her students both for remote and in-person. She also is often on Zoom calls with parents or
students who need help with homework or are having trouble keeping up with work or motivation in the remote setting.
She helps students, not only with her class, but with other classes that students may be failing. She helps them figure out
Campus, Google Classroom, how to find missing assignments, and how to prioritize the work to make up first. I don’t
know where her students would be without her! Not easy to keep up or check in with over 150 students! She is amazingly
caring and so hard on herself as she is completely devoted to students and feels their struggle personally!

Nadya Rivera
SEK Guatemala, Guatemala
Mrs. Rivera has gone overboard with her teaching. She has brought the world to the class through the Global
Education program. She gives us plenty of opportunities to not only learn about the world and its issues, but she
pushes us to become speakers for our country. We are currently sharing with kids from around the world about our
culture, our country and eliminating stereotypes. We are working on understanding interculturality and recognizing
unjust actions. She has also pushed me into applying for international programs, she believes in me and I have
entered. I didn’t know I could be part of the change in the world.
Regional Category
North & South America

Ronnie Mendoza
Rancho Verde High School, United States
Mr Mendoza has shown dedication and outstanding support from the time I began high school and continues to give
his full support to each student he encounters. Mr Mendoza has been the most important part of my success then
and especially now during this pandemic. Mr Mendoza is in charge of my IEP meetings I am visually impaired and
Mr Mendoza believes in me. He has done everything possible to ensure my success, he even went as far as driving
his own vehicle taking time out of his family life to obtain a WiFi hotspot and personally brought it to me without
any questions. His compassion for being an educator is phenomenal. No student or teacher has ever said anything
negative about him, he is the true definition of a Heart working Educator. I am beyond thankful for being apart of his
Heart Work.

Sammie Smith
Abraham Joshua Heschel High School, United States
Smith is of the kindest, sincerest, and best teachers in the whole world. Her dedication to her students is truly boundless.
I asked to take her class a semester into the year, and not only did she allow it, she met with me weekly to catch me up
to the rest of the class. In addition, she runs the drama and Latin clubs, and teaches Greek during lunch for students
who want to learn it. In the Drama Club, she helps facilitate the Shakespeare Competition, and meets with me and other
competitors often to help us practice our monologues. She carefully and thoughtfully engages every single student, and
makes a remarkable effort to ensure that everyone is caught up. When a friend and I wanted to study for the Latin SAT
Subject test, Smith agreed to meet with us early in the morning before school started to help us prepare.
Find out more about the Dedicated Teacher Awards by visiting
dedicatedteacher.cambridge.org