The world’s biggest teaching prize is up for grabs
If you’re a teacher who goes above and beyond for your students, this one is worth knowing about.
The GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2027 is now open for applications, with one very big incentive: the winner will take home $1 million.
Founded by education pioneer and philanthropist Sunny Varkey, the annual prize celebrates teachers who are making a genuine difference to the lives of young people – and this year, the competition is opening its doors even wider.
So, whether you’re inspiring students in a classroom, teaching online or working with young people in less traditional education settings, you could be in with a shot.
And you’ve got until Monday, 12 October to put your name forward.
The prize has expanded its eligibility criteria for 2027, reflecting the many different ways education now reaches students.
Alongside traditional classroom teachers, the prize is open to digital educators, leaders of education programmes and teachers working in refugee and other non-formal settings.
Part-time, contract and self-employed educators can also apply, provided they meet the criteria.
Basically, if your work involves helping 4 to 18-year-olds learn and you’ve been doing it for at least five years, it’s worth checking whether you’re eligible.
The UAE has already had several teachers make waves in the Global Teacher Prize.
Earlier this year, Hala Abdelmoemn Mohamed Kotb Shahin, a teacher at Khawla Bint Tha’albah School for Girls in Sharjah, made the Top 50.
In 2025, Moza Mohammed Rashid Saadan Al-Hafiti, a teacher at Zayed Educational Complex in Dibba Al-Fujairah, also made the Top 50.
So, who knows? The UAE could have another teacher making the shortlist this year.
It’s not simply about being a brilliant teacher in the classroom. Applicants will be assessed on things including their teaching practices, innovation, learning outcomes and impact beyond their school.
The prize also looks at how educators help young people become global citizens, promote peace and strengthen the teaching profession.
Sunny Varkey says the prize is designed to highlight the huge role teachers play in tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges.
“Teachers are constantly adapting how and where they teach, reaching and inspiring young people in classrooms, online and in communities around the world.”
And that’s exactly what this year’s wider eligibility is intended to recognise.
You don’t have to be the teacher yourself to get involved. Students, parents and anyone else can nominate a teacher by submitting a short description explaining why they deserve recognition.
The nominated teacher will then receive an email inviting them to apply.
Applications can be submitted in English, Mandarin, Arabic, French, Spanish, Portuguese or Russian.
The entries will eventually be whittled down to a Top 50, followed by 10 finalists, with the winner selected by the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize Academy.
Ready to put your teacher in the running?
Applications close on 12 October, 2026. Head to globalteacherprize.org to apply or nominate a teacher
