Global Teacher Prize

An annual $1 million dollar prize established by the @varkeyfdn because #TeachersMatter.

[Global Teacher Prize @TeacherPrize]

And the 2026 GEMS Education #GlobalTeacherPrize winner is… Rouble Nagi! 🏆

A globally recognised Indian artist, educator, and social innovator, Rouble transforms neglected and broken walls into large-scale, interactive murals that teach everything from literacy and numeracy to hygiene and environmental awareness.

Over the last two decades, she has helped bring more than one million children into the formal education system through the use of art. Through her organisation, Rouble Nagi Art Foundation (RNAF), Rouble has established more than 800 learning centres across India – safe, inspiring spaces in over 100 slums and villages where children who have never attended school can begin structured learning and be guided back into mainstream education. The centres also support children already enrolled in school, providing remedial education, emotional safety, and creative enrichment.

Central to Rouble’s work is her innovative concept of “Living Walls of Learning.” She transforms abandoned walls into open-air, interactive murals that teach literacy, numeracy, science, hygiene, history, environmental awareness, and social responsibility. These murals are not decorative artworks, but open-air classrooms that draw children into learning, engage parents, and turn entire neighbourhoods into partners in education.

Her work nurtures creativity, resilience, and global citizenship, showing how education and compassion can transform communities. This award is a moment of immense pride for Rouble, her community, and her country.

Congratulations, Rouble! ✨ Your vision and dedication are truly extraordinary.

@GEMS_ME @UNESCO @VarkeyFdn @ROUBLENAGI #TeachersMatter

[Global Teacher Prize @TeacherPrize]

We are deeply saddened to share that Global Teacher Prize Ambassador Jasper Rijpma has passed away.

A Top 50 finalist for the Global Teacher Prize in 2017, Jasper dedicated his life to championing education and supporting both students and teachers. Named Teacher of the Year in the Netherlands in 2014, he was widely admired for his passion, authenticity, and commitment to helping young people realise their potential.

Even in the face of immense challenges, Jasper remained a tireless advocate for education, encouraging greater collaboration among teachers and working to strengthen the profession for future generations.

Passionate, thoughtful, and unwavering in his belief in the power of education, Jasper leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire educators around the world.

May he rest in peace.

[Global Teacher Prize @TeacherPrize]

⏱️ Learn in 60s

AI can be a powerful learning tool, but only if students know how to use it critically.

Hear from Global Teacher Prize Ambassador Mouniati Moana-Chakour as she shares why teaching critical thinking is more important than ever in the age of AI, and how educators can help students question, evaluate, and verify the information they encounter online.

@mounia_mc #Learnin60s #TeachersMatter #GlobalTeacherPrize #CriticalThinking #AI

[ROUBLE NAGI - रूबल नागी @ROUBLENAGI]

Today after the creative class, while spending time with children in a classroom, I found myself reflecting on a question that deserves honest discussion. Education is a public good, much like roads, public transport, parks, or healthcare. If a child can receive free education, textbooks, uniforms & a nutritious mid-day meal in a government school, why are so many parents still willing to spend a significant portion of their hard-earned income on private schooling? The answer is not simple, & it is not about blaming anyone. A developed nation is built not merely by enrolling children in classrooms, but by ensuring those classrooms inspire curiosity, confidence, creativity & opportunity. What would make every parent proudly choose a government school for their child? Where is it that we are succeeding & where is it that we still need to improve ?
@RNAFMUMBAI @MisaalMumbai

[Global Teacher Prize @TeacherPrize]

Returning to London, where she spent her college years, #GlobalTeacherPrize 2026 winner Rouble Nagi shares a message that transcends borders: every child deserves to be heard, seen and supported to succeed.

From India to the UK, educators share a common goal: ensuring every child has access to education and the opportunity to thrive. 🌍

@ROUBLENAGI #TeachersMatter

[Global Teacher Prize @TeacherPrize]

Two remarkable winners, one shared vision for the future of education.

#GlobalTeacherPrize 2026 winner Rouble Nagi and #GlobalStudentPrize 2025 winner Adarsh Kumar came together today at #TheWeekEducationConclave2026 in New Delhi.

Adarsh joined the panel discussion "Schools of the Future", while Rouble shared her insights on "Values and Learnings of a New-Age Indian". Together, their contributions highlighted the importance of creativity, compassion and responsible leadership in shaping the next generation.

The two winners also met to exchange ideas and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

@ROUBLENAGI @VarkeyFdn @TheWeekLive

[Global Teacher Prize @TeacherPrize]

This #WorldEnvironmentDay, we're spotlighting Global Teacher Prize Ambassador Selçuk Yusuf Arslan and his award-winning initiative, Code for Climate Action.

By combining coding, technology and environmental education, Selçuk empowers students to move beyond learning about climate change and start building solutions to address it. From smart recycling systems to innovative tech-driven projects, students are using their skills to tackle real-world environmental challenges while developing the confidence to become changemakers in their own communities.

As Selçuk says, young people can be part of the solution — and education is where that journey begins.

@selcukyarslan

#GlobalTeacherPrize #TeachersMatter #ClimateAction #Education #STEM

[Global Teacher Prize @TeacherPrize]

#TrendingTeachers

GTP Ambassador Muhammet Aydın has been named the European regional winner of the international Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards organised by the University of Cambridge, recognising his outstanding contributions to education and his commitment to making a difference both inside and outside the classroom.

Selected from 12,000 teachers across 101 countries, Muhammet advanced to the Top 10 Teachers in Europe and secured his place among the world’s nine most dedicated teachers. The overall winner will be announced in June.

Congratulations, Muhammet!

@EnglishInStreet #GlobalTeacherPrize #TeachersMatter

[ROUBLE NAGI - रूबल नागी @ROUBLENAGI]

Transformative dialogue turns diverse perspectives into tangible breakthroughs.
Expanding perspective, accelerating impact. Wonderful afternoon with GSF Schools community, London 🇬🇧
@RNAFMUMBAI @TeacherPrize @MisaalMumbai

[Global Teacher Prize @TeacherPrize]

Congratulations to Alsama Project, inaugural winner of the Global Schools Prize ✨

[Global Schools Prize @SchoolsPrize]

And the winner of the inaugural #GlobalSchoolsPrize is… Alsama Project 🇱🇧

The refugee-led education organisation receives a $500,000 award to scale its impact supporting displaced Syrian and Palestinian teenagers excluded from traditional schooling.

🧵@VarkeyFdn

[Global Teacher Prize @TeacherPrize]

Rouble Nagi, winner of the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2026, was honoured to meet His Majesty King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on the occasion of the King’s Trust 50th Anniversary Garden Party.

Rouble said it was “an honour to meet His Majesty King Charles III at Buckingham Palace” and that she was “deeply grateful to Sunny Varkey and the Varkey Foundation for their unwavering support of education and for creating platforms like the Global Teacher Prize that shine a light on teachers around the world.”

Over the past two decades, Rouble has established more than 800 learning centres across over 100 marginalised communities in India, transforming abandoned walls into interactive murals that have helped bring more than one million children into formal education.

Her passion, leadership, and unwavering belief in the power of education continue to resonate far beyond the classroom.

@KingsTrustInt @RoyalFamily @ROUBLENAGI @VarkeyFdn #GlobalTeacherPrize #TeachersMatter

[Global Teacher Prize @TeacherPrize]

🔦 Teacher Spotlight: Meet #GlobalTeacherPrize Ambassador Jusinta Kwakyewaa

For over two decades, Jusinta has been advancing education in Ghana, championing an approach rooted in equity, practical learning, and community impact.

At St. Francis Senior High Technical School, she has empowered students through hands-on skills training, mentorship, and targeted support for learners facing poverty-related barriers, demonstrating the vital role educators play in creating opportunity and lasting change.

Her work continues to transform lives both inside and beyond the classroom, showing how compassionate, inclusive education can strengthen entire communities.

#TeachersInspireTeachers #TeacherSpotlight #Impact @JusintaKwa69383

[Ministerio de Educación, FP y Deportes @educaciongob]

La ministra @milagrostolon recibe a los 2 profesores españoles que quedaron entre los finalistas del @TeacherPrize.

Se trata de Ana Hernández, del IES Julio Verne de Leganés, y Cristian Ruiz, del colegio Juan de Lanuza de Zaragoza👉
https://t.co/bZDJXQKqyt

[Milagros Tolón @milagrostolon]

Qué honor contar entre nuestro profesorado con docentes como Ana Hernández, del @IESJverne, y Cristian Ruiz, del @juandelanuza, ambos finalistas del @TeacherPrize.

Hoy les he recibido en el Ministerio y he conocido la potencia de sus proyectos educativos.

¡Enhorabuena!

[Global Teacher Prize @TeacherPrize]

We're thrilled to announce the Top 50 finalists of inaugural Global Schools Prize! ✨

Discover the extraordinary schools driving meaningful impact worldwide 👇

[Global Schools Prize @SchoolsPrize]

We’re proud to unveil the Top 50 finalists of the inaugural Global Schools Prize ✨

An ambitious new global initiative by the Varkey Foundation, recognising schools transforming lives through education.

@varkeyfdn #GlobalSchoolsPrize

[Global Teacher Prize @TeacherPrize]

#TrendingTeachers

Global Teacher Prize Ambassador Michael Anthony Pope has been inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame, Class of 2026, recognising his outstanding contribution to education and sustained commitment to teaching excellence.

Congratulations, Michael!

#GlobalTeacherPrize #TeachersMatter

[Global Schools Prize @SchoolsPrize]

🚨 1 DAY TO GO

Around the world, schools are transforming lives through education.

Tomorrow, we’ll reveal the Top 50 finalists of the inaugural Global Schools Prize.

Stay tuned! #GlobalSchoolsPrize

[Global Teacher Prize @TeacherPrize]

#TeacherToTeacher 🍎

#GlobalTeacherPrize Ambassadors Jane Chikapa Chekecheke (2021) and Shallom Maweu Sila (2026) discuss lessons from their school visit to GEMS School of Research and Innovation, exploring how makerspaces, STEM learning and hands-on approaches can support the shift towards competency-based, learner-centred education in Kenya and across Africa.

Watch now🎥

#TeachersMatter #Africa

[Global Teacher Prize @TeacherPrize]

This Earth Day, we’re reminded that even in the most challenging environments, growth is possible 🌍

As Global Teacher Prize Ambassador Jusinta Kwakyewaa shares, teaching, like the desert, comes with challenges. But with determination, educators continue to shape futures and drive change where it matters most.

Happy World Earth Day 🌱 @JusintaKwa69383
#GlobalTeacherPrize #WorldEarthDay

[Global Teacher Prize @TeacherPrize]

2026 GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize Top 10 finalist Timothy Stiven shared how his work connects students across continents through peer-to-peer, project-based learning.

From linking classrooms with Afghan girls to enabling global collaboration between students in different countries, his approach shows how education can move beyond borders.

For Timothy, the most powerful outcomes come from what young people can achieve when given the chance to learn from one another across the world.

@GEMS_ME @UNESCO @varkeyfdn @fundacionvarkey @TimothyStiven

#GlobalTeacherPrize #TeachersMatter

[ROUBLE NAGI - रूबल नागी @ROUBLENAGI]

Thank u @Dev_Fadnavis ji @AmeetSatam ji🙏🏻🙏🏻आज हम भारत के लोकतांत्रिक इतिहास के एक अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण क्षण के साक्षी हैं। Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam महिला आरक्षण विधेयक का पारित होना केवल एक कानून नहीं, यह एक संकल्प है, एक दृष्टि है, और एक ऐसे भारत की घोषणा है जहाँ प्रतिनिधित्व सचमुच समानता पर आधारित होगा।
देशभर में इस विधेयक को एक ऐतिहासिक कदम माना जा रहा है । यह प्रधानमंत्री @narendramodi ji के नेतृत्व में लिए गए उन निर्णायक निर्णयों में गिन्ने जाता हैं जो भारत को अधिक समावेशी, अधिक न्यायपूर्ण और अधिक सशक्त बनाने की दिशा में आगे बढ़ाते हैं। यह कदम उस लंबे संघर्ष को सम्मान देता है, जो भारत की महिलाओं ने अपने अधिकारों और अपनी आवाज़ के लिए लड़ा है।
इस विधेयक का महत्व केवल संसद में सीटों की संख्या तक सीमित नहीं है। यह उस विशाल क्षमता को पहचानने का प्रयास है जो भारत की करोड़ों महिलाएँ अपने अनुभव, संवेदनशीलता, नेतृत्व और दूरदृष्टि के माध्यम से राष्ट्र‑निर्माण में ला सकती हैं। जब निर्णय‑निर्माण की मेज़ पर महिलाओं की भागीदारी बढ़ेगी, तब नीतियाँ अधिक संतुलित, अधिक मानवीय और अधिक भविष्य‑मुखी बनेंगी।
राष्ट्र‑निर्माण केवल इमारतों, सड़कों और योजनाओं से नहीं होता, राष्ट्र‑निर्माण तब होता है जब हर नागरिक, विशेषकर महिलाएँ, अपने सपनों और क्षमताओं को पूरी स्वतंत्रता से जी सकें। महिला आरक्षण विधेयक इसी दिशा में एक निर्णायक कदम है। भारत तब सबसे मजबूत होता है जब वह अपनी आधी आबादी को केवल समर्थक नहीं, बल्कि नेतृत्वकर्ता के रूप में स्वीकार करता है। यह विधेयक आने वाली पीढ़ियों के लिए एक संदेश है, कि भारत आगे बढ़ रहा है, और सबको साथ लेकर बढ़ रहा है।
#NariShakti #womenreservationbill #equality #BeProudToBeAWoman #Mumbai
@rnartfoundation @misaalmumbai @teacherprize