Top 10 Finalists Announced for the 10th Global Teacher Prize

We are absolutely delighted to introduce the GEMS Education 2026 Global Teacher Prize Top 10 Finalists!
Adeola Olufunke Akinsulure - Nigeria
Alfonso Filippone - Italy
Ana Hernández Revuelta - Spain
Colleen O'Rourke - Australia
Ewa Stefania Drobek - Poland
Gloria Argentina Cisneros - Argentina
Jasmyn Nicole Wright - United States of America
Joshue Castellanos Paternina - Colombia
Rouble Nagi - India
Timothy James Stiven - United States of America
Now in its tenth year, the USD 1 million Global Teacher Prize remains the largest prize of its kind, celebrating educators whose work extends far beyond the classroom.
The prize was set up to recognise one exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession as well as to shine a spotlight on the important role teachers play in society. By unearthing thousands of stories of heroes who have transformed young people’s lives, the prize hopes to bring to life the exceptional work of teachers all over the world. Since its launch, the Global Teacher Prize has received over 100,000 applications and nominations from around the globe.
The winner will be chosen from the top 10 finalists by the Global Teacher Prize Academy made up of prominent individuals, and will be announced at the World Governments Summit, taking place in Dubai from 3 - 5 February 2026.
Congratulations to all the finalists!




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I really like the focus on recognizing teachers who make a lasting difference in their students’ lives. Celebrating those stories can help highlight how much educators contribute to communities around the world. I think that spirit of recognition and friendly competition also fits the playful energy of Basketball Random.
Just saw the top ten finalists for the Global Teacher Prize and the work these educators are doing is absolutely incredible. The one that stood out to me most was a teacher working in a really underresourced community who basically built an entire literacy program from scratch with almost no funding. It reminded me of my son's second grade teacher who transformed reluctant readers into kids who genuinely got excited about stories. That teacher actually inspired a group of parents at our school to hire children's book writer talent to create a custom story based on the classroom's adventures throughout the year as a thank you gift. It was such a meaningful gesture and the kids were thrilled seeing themselves…
Congratulations to all the finalists! It's inspiring to see teachers from around the world being recognized for their dedication and positive impact on students' lives. Just as professional ghost writers help bring important ideas to life, great teachers inspire others to discover their own potential. Wishing every finalist the very best in the next stage of the competition.
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