Two UAE-based teachers have been shortlisted for the $1 million (Dh3.67m) Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2017.

There are top 50 teachers shortlisted by the Varkey Foundation for the Global Teacher Prize. The prize winner will be announced on March 19, 2017 at the Global Education and Skills Forum in Dubai.

The award is the largest prize of its kind and is awarded under the patronage of  Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The two shortlisted UAE teachers are Rohan Roberts, who teaches the GEMS Honours Progamme and Astronomy at GEMS Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis in Dubai and  Shaikha Al Shehi, an English teacher from Al Dhait Girls Secondary School, Ras Al Khaimah.

Sunny Varkey, founder of Varkey Foundation, said that, “We were overwhelmed by the huge support the Global Teacher Prize received this year. We intend to keep this momentum going as our journey continues to return teachers to their rightful position as one of the most respected professions in society.”

“I applaud the launch of the Global Teacher Prize, which recognizes their worth. The award is in line with my Global Education First Initiative, launched in 2012, which aims to give momentum to the worldwide movement to put every child in school, improve the quality of learning and foster global citizenship,” Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations said.

Saudi police arrested woman for posting photo without veil!

Nandini