Johnathan Paoli
A Life Sciences teacher at Protea Heights Academy in Brackenfell, Western Cape, Dr Mariette Wheeler, has been selected as a Top 10 finalist for the prestigious 2023 Global Teacher Prize.
Wheeler was selected from over 7 000 nominations and applications from 130 countries around the world.
The Western Cape Education department (WCED) congratulated Wheeler and said her dedication to education and making a difference in the lives of her learners has put her where she is.
Wheeler said that she appreciated all the support and considered it an honour to represent Protea Heights Academy, the WCED and the country at the awards ceremony in Paris on 8 November.
“Teachers matter and teachers do so much for the youth of our country, not just in igniting curiosity but also in being there for our learners,” Wheeler said.
WC Education MEC David Maynier congratulated Wheeler on her award and said candidates for the Global Teacher Prize were judged on a rigorous set of criteria to identify an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession of teaching.
“To have a Western Cape teacher in the Top 10 is a real testament to the quality of teaching taking place in our province,” Maynier said.
The Global Teacher Prize is an annual $1 million award by the global educational charity, Varkey Foundation, to a teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession.
The Prize, which has been referred to by some as the Nobel Prize for teaching highlights and celebrates the profession while giving greater recognition to the work of teachers all over the world.
Nominations of teachers who meet specific criteria are open to the worldwide public, with judging being done by the Global Teacher Prize Academy, consisting of head teachers, education experts, commentators, journalists, public officials, tech entrepreneurs, company directors, and scientists from around the world.
This follows on from the National Teachers’ Awards which was held at the Hatfield Christian Church in Thaba Tshwane, Pretoria earlier this month.
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