Celebrating Excellence in Education: Emirati Teacher Shortlisted for Prestigious Global Award
In a noteworthy achievement for the educational landscape of the United Arab Emirates, Emirati educator Moza Mohammed Rashid Saadan Al Hafiti has been shortlisted among the 50 finalists for the prestigious GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize. This esteemed accolade, which offers a generous financial reward of million, aims to honor exceptional educators who have made significant contributions to their profession while highlighting the indispensable role that teachers play in the fabric of society.
Ms. Al Hafiti, a dedicated teacher at Zayed Educational Complex in Dibba Al Fujairah, was selected from a pool of over 5,000 nominations originating from 89 countries across the globe. The remarkably diverse shortlist reflects a wide geographic representation, with teachers hailing from Asia (11), Africa (7), Europe (12), Latin America (11), North America (6), and Australia and New Zealand (3).
The Global Teacher Prize, initiated by the Varkey Foundation in partnership with UNESCO, has garnered over 100,000 applications since its establishment in 2014. This award seeks not only to celebrate teaching excellence but also to raise awareness about the substantial challenges that educators face worldwide.
Reacting to her selection, Al Hafiti expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am deeply humbled to be in the top 50 shortlist for the Global Teacher Prize. I am honored to be named alongside so many inspirational educators from around the world.” Her modesty belies a career that has made profound impacts on her students and the wider educational community.
Al Hafiti’s approach to education has been characterized by innovation and inclusivity, hallmarks that have contributed to her recognition as an award-winning educator. Her commitment to creating engaging, technology-enhanced learning environments has resulted in an impressive 88% improvement in students’ diagnostic test scores. During the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, she took the initiative to implement virtual learning strategies that remain beneficial even after in-person classes have resumed.
Beyond her classroom endeavors, Al Hafiti is dedicated to mentoring fellow educators and developing curriculums that align with modern educational demands. She has also taken proactive steps to spearhead national educational initiatives, ensuring that her influence extends beyond her immediate sphere.
Among her notable achievements, Al Hafiti holds the distinction of being recognized as a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert. She has also pioneered the development of an interactive prayer carpet, securing intellectual property rights for this innovative educational tool. Her accolades include the prestigious Hamdan bin Rashid Award for Distinguished Teacher and the Mohammed Bin Zayed Award for Best Gulf Teacher, underscoring her exceptional contributions to education.
Prominent figures have voiced their support for the Global Teacher Prize. Sunny Varkey, the Founder of the prize and Chairman of the Varkey Foundation, remarked, “The Global Teacher Prize was created to spotlight the critical role of education in addressing the major challenges of our time. I congratulate all top 50 finalists, who are joining a global community of educators leading the way to build a better future.”
Furthermore, Stefania Giannini, the Assistant Director-General for Education at UNESCO, highlighted the organization’s pride in supporting the prize. She stated, “Recognising and investing in teachers is essential to building a just, inclusive, and sustainable future,” reinforcing the global consensus on the importance of educators in cultivating societal progress.
Evaluation for the prize includes various criteria such as teaching methods, innovative solutions to local challenges, measurable educational outcomes, community impact, and efforts to foster global citizenship among students. As the competition progresses, the 50 shortlisted candidates will soon be narrowed down to the top 10 finalists, who are set to be announced in late January. The ultimate winner will be chosen by the Global Teacher Prize Academy – composed of distinguished individuals from various sectors – and unveiled at the World Government Summit in Dubai, scheduled for February 10 to 13.
This recognition not only shines a light on Al Hafiti’s significant contributions to education but also serves as a reminder of the unwavering dedication displayed by educators around the world. As the global educational community continues to confront challenges ranging from digital transformation to inclusivity, acknowledgments such as the Global Teacher Prize offer hope and inspiration for a future driven by exceptional teaching.
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