Out of over 5000 nominations from 101 countries, our panel of judges named the following teachers as your regional winners.
Polly Neville
"Mrs. Neville teaches our son Charlie in Year 5. Although he has always been happy at DBS, he has faced some social challenges. He has been fortunate to be taught by Mrs Neville twice – in Year 2 and Year 5. Mrs. Neville listens and
makes time for us as a family. She believes in our son and dedicates a huge amount of time, not only to him but to all of her students, supporting them in whichever area they need it most.
For Charlie, the turning point this year was Mrs. Neville’s ‘Friday Friends Club’ – a social group where students discuss empathy, effective conversation, and articulating feelings. The planning and delivery of this club take a significant
amount of time, as well as the work done during lessons and communication with other teachers. Mrs. Neville’s dedication has had almost immediate results for Charlie.
She is the embodiment of a teacher who is in your corner. Her support has boosted Charlie’s relationship with his teachers, made him more communicative, and removed his anxiety about school. Mrs. Neville has shown Charlie that school is a safe, respectful place."
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2025 Regional winners
Regional winner for Southeast Asia & Pacific
Denla British School Bangkok, Thailand
Oleksandr Zhuk
"Oleksandr works at a school with children with hearing impairment, musculoskeletal disorders, and Down syndrome. He has been working at the school for 15 years. He devotes a lot of time to children, attends various events with them, travels and implements projects. Received recognition not
only in Ukraine, but also in the world.
Oleksandr Zhuk is a computer science teacher at the Zaporizhzhia special boarding school Dzherelo, a winner of the 2018 Global Teacher Prize Ukraine, and a Top 50 according to the Global Teacher Prize. Award winner Global Teacher Award 2021. In 2020, he won a $25,000 grant from the World Bank and opened a STEM laboratory in which a media center was created. It was destroyed during the war. Oleksandr always draws the attention of our country to people with hearing impairment. Performs with the stars in sign language."
Zaporizhzhia special comprehensive boarding school, Dzherelo, Ukraine
Regional winner for Europe
Eduardo Pérez
"I would like to introduce you to my teacher Eduardo Pérez. He has supported thousands of students with disabilities in Colombia, creating more than 20 technological tools to strengthen learning (educational software, video games, cell phone applications, programming and robotics). He has also held cultural events to donate laptops to students with disabilities and has participated in the development of public inclusion policies. He was nominated for the Global
Teacher Prize and won the UNESCO/Emir Jaber for Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. In addition, he has led the Network of Teacher Researchers with which he has published scientific articles. For these reasons, today I want to nominate my teacher Eduardo. Professor, thank you for opening the doors of knowledge to me through technology. Your dedication and digital tools have allowed me to learn without barriers, proving that inclusive education is possible for everyone."
Instituto Técnico Guaimaral, Colombia
Regional winner for Latin America
Yun Xie
"Yun is an exemplary teacher who embodies dedication and passion in her teaching approach. Last year, Yun noticed that some of her Cambridge IGCSE
Global Perspectives students were struggling to grasp the complexities of Global Perspectives and critical thinking skills required for their projects. Instead of simply assigning more reading or exercises, Yun decided to take a more innovative approach. She organized a series of interactive workshops that simulated real-world scenarios relevant to their coursework. For one workshop, she invited guest speakers from various professions, including journalists, environmental scientists, and policy makers, to discuss current global issues. This not only provided students with diverse perspectives but also allowed them to engage directly with experts, asking questions and gaining insights beyond their textbooks. Yun’s ability to connect classroom learning with real-world applications sparked a newfound interest in her students, making the subject matter come alive."
Yew Way International Education School of Shanghai Lingang, China
Regional winner for East Asia
Farrukh Saleem
"Sir Farrukh is the epitome of a dedicated teacher – one who goes beyond the classroom and syllabus to truly invest in his students’ success. His commitment isn’t just about explaining concepts (which he does flawlessly); it’s about pushing us to reach our full potential. He encourages us to think critically and never settle for mediocrity.
What truly sets him apart is how much he cares. During events like the Food Bonanza and Food Gala, Sir Farrukh ensured everything ran smoothly. He guided us through our roles, managed logistics, and even stayed late to help us wrap up. He didn’t have to, but he wanted us to succeed and learn valuable lessons from the experience.
His commitment has left a lasting impact on me. He showed me that dedication isn’t just about teaching; it’s about life. Because of him, I’ve learned that hard work, passion, and great leadership go hand in hand. Success isn’t just about individual effort – it’s about guiding others and supporting them to ensure no one is left behind. Sir Farrukh didn’t just teach me concepts – he taught me resilience, work ethic, and the power of believing in people."
Pakistan International School Jeddah English Section, Saudi Arabia
Regional winner for Middle East & North Africa
Sakina Bharmal
"Ms. Sakina Bharmal is an exceptional Global Perspectives teacher who motivates her students to think critically about global challenges. She encourages them to engage with global issues in meaningful ways, fostering academic growth and social responsibility. One notable example is a project
where students researched HIV and AIDS, connecting with individuals affected by the condition. They compiled their findings into a book, and the proceeds were used to support students living with HIV or with HIV-affected parents.
Ms. Bharmal’s guidance helped students see the impact of research, empathy, and action.
She also led a project focused on improving accessibility for India’s 12 million blind or partially sighted citizens. Students discovered many buildings lacked braille plates in elevators and, inspired by Ms. Bharmal, they designed and installed these plates, improving accessibility. Ms. Bharmal’s encouragement helps students build confidence in their research and advocacy skills, inspiring them to take real action on global issues."
The Galaxy School - Wadi, India
Regional winner for South Asia
Portia Dzilah
"Portia Dzifa Dzilah is a teacher at the Pakro Anglican Basic School in the Akuapem South District of Ghana. Pakro is a farming community facing challenges like truancy, teenage pregnancy, and low school enrollment, especially for girls. Portia has dedicated her life to transforming her students’ lives. She believes every child deserves a chance to succeed, no matter the obstacles. Using her personal resources and social media, Portia raised funds to buy school uniforms, shoes, and learning materials for over 100 students. Her goal is to ensure all children, especially girls, have access to education. She also helped a primary school girl stay in school, raised funds for two girls to attend Senior High School, and continues supporting them. Portia’s impact includes feeding a boy who skipped classes due to hunger, which kept him in school. She also supports a girl facing family issues, helping her attend Senior High School. Portia goes beyond teaching, traveling with students for exams, hosting a ‘Feast of Togetherness,’ and leading the school’s Gender Club. She is a mentor, caregiver, and beacon of hope in her community."
Pakro Anglican Basic School, Ghana
Regional winner for Sub-Saharan Africa
Adnan Ahmed Usmani
"He consistently encourages us to explore our interests in technology and computer science, pushing us to think critically and creatively. His classes were not just about learning computer science but about developing a deeper understanding of the world and our place in it.
What I appreciate most about Sir Adnan is the way he helped me develop a growth mindset. He instilled in me a love for learning and a curiosity about the world of technology. Sir Adnan’s impact extends beyond the classroom. He has inspired me to pursue my interests in computer science and to explore the many opportunities available in this field.
In many ways, Sir Adnan has been more than just a teacher; he has been a mentor, a role model, and a source of inspiration. His influence has shaped my academic and professional goals. Even as I move forward in my journey,
I know that the lessons I learned from Sir Adnan will stay with me, guiding me and inspiring me to reach my full potential."
Bahria Town School And College, Pakistan
Regional winner for Pakistan
Isabel de Feria
"Isabel is a dedicated teacher who incorporates Cambridge skills and attributes into every lesson. As a Spanish teacher, she designs a Cambridge-aligned curriculum, ensuring students develop essential global skills such as critical thinking and research.
Isabel has created interdisciplinary connections, such as her impressive unit plan for The Odyssey, where students researched the use of water in ancient Greece compared to other countries. This project fostered global awareness and analytical skills, challenging students to think critically and make meaningful comparisons.
Her lessons encourage students to think deeply, apply knowledge beyond the classroom, and make connections. I admire the time, creativity, and effort she puts into crafting high-quality activities that engage students. Isabel’s commitment to the Cambridge framework elevates her teaching and inspires those around her.
Her dedication has deeply impacted me as a teacher. She challenges me to think more critically and motivates me to continuously improve."
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Elementary, USA
Regional winner for North America
