Two exceptional South African teachers, Mokolwane Masweneng and Mariette Wheeler, have been recognized as Top 50 finalists for the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2023. Masweneng is devoted to promoting education while challenging gender norms that restrict female education, and Wheeler combines her experience as a biological scientist with her passion for teaching. Both have showcased unwavering commitment, ingenuity, and determination throughout their teaching careers, motivating countless students and making a substantial impact on their local communities. Their nominations for the Global Teacher Prize are well-earned, and they serve as shining examples of how devoted educators can profoundly transform the lives of their students and effect lasting, positive change in their communities.
Two exceptional South African teachers, Mokolwane Masweneng and Mariette Wheeler, have been recognized among the esteemed Top 50 finalists for the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2023. This esteemed award, in collaboration with UNESCO and Dubai Cares, aims to acknowledge and honor the significant contributions made by exceptional teachers to their students and communities. Masweneng and Wheeler have both showcased unwavering commitment, ingenuity, and determination throughout their teaching careers, motivating countless students and making a substantial impact on their local communities.
Mokolwane Masweneng: Championing Education and Empowerment
Mokolwane Masweneng, an English educator at Dithothwaneng Senior Secondary School in Mphanama, Limpopo, has dedicated his life to promoting education, primarily for girls, within his community. Despite facing financial obstacles, Masweneng established a complimentary tutoring program that allows students to attain professional qualifications. He actively challenges conventional gender norms that restrict female education, urging girls to take part in activities typically reserved for boys. Additionally, Masweneng advocates for introducing technology into the classroom and has launched environmental initiatives to tackle hunger and poverty in rural regions.
Mariette Wheeler: Fusing Science and Creativity
Mariette Wheeler, an enthusiastic science educator at Protea Heights Academy in Cape Town, skillfully combines her experience as a biological scientist with her passion for teaching. Her inventive teaching techniques include group conversations, class debates, activities resembling charades, and educational applications to master scientific terminology. Outside of the classroom, Wheeler contributes monthly marine life radio segments to a local radio station, reaching an audience of around 400,000 individuals. In 2021, she received the National Best Teacher award and represented South Africa at the virtual UNESCO World Teachers Day event.
Well-Deserved Global Teacher Prize Nominations
Both Masweneng and Wheeler have demonstrated a strong commitment to nurturing global citizenship in their students, making their nominations for the Global Teacher Prize well-earned. Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, CEO and vice-chairperson of Dubai Cares, highlighted the significance of investing in educators as a means to propel society forward. Stefania Giannini, UNESCO’s assistant director-general of education, also extended her heartfelt congratulations to Masweneng and Wheeler, acknowledging the crucial role teachers play in equipping and inspiring children and young people for the rapidly changing world.
Global Teacher Prize: Recognizing Excellence in Teaching
The Global Teacher Prize welcomes submissions from various types of teachers, provided they commit to teaching for at least another five years, dedicating a minimum of 10 hours per week. Assessment criteria include innovative teaching practices, problem-solving approaches, quantifiable learning outcomes, community impact beyond the classroom, and external recognition. The deadline for applications for the next year’s prize is 25 June 2024, with submissions accepted at www.globalteacherprize.org.
The Ripple Effect: Inspiring Students and Communities
Masweneng and Wheeler serve as shining examples of how devoted educators can profoundly transform the lives of their students and effect lasting, positive change in their communities. Their inclusion in the Top 50 finalists for the Global Teacher Prize 2023 not only showcases their individual accomplishments but also emphasizes the collective significance of acknowledging and honoring the efforts of teachers globally. As they continue to inspire and equip their students for the future, the impact of their work will undoubtedly extend far beyond their classrooms, touching countless lives in the process.
Who are Mokolwane Masweneng and Mariette Wheeler?
Mokolwane Masweneng and Mariette Wheeler are two exceptional South African teachers who have been recognized as Top 50 finalists for the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2023.
What are their contributions to education?
Mokolwane Masweneng is devoted to promoting education while challenging gender norms that restrict female education. Mariette Wheeler combines her experience as a biological scientist with her passion for teaching and skillfully incorporates inventive teaching techniques in her classrooms.
What is the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize?
The Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize is an esteemed award, in collaboration with UNESCO and Dubai Cares, that aims to acknowledge and honor the significant contributions made by exceptional teachers to their students and communities.
What are the assessment criteria for the Global Teacher Prize?
The assessment criteria for the Global Teacher Prize include innovative teaching practices, problem-solving approaches, quantifiable learning outcomes, community impact beyond the classroom, and external recognition.
When is the deadline for applications for the next year’s prize?
The deadline for applications for the next year’s prize is June 25, 2024.
How can teachers apply for the Global Teacher Prize?
Teachers can apply for the Global Teacher Prize by submitting their application at www.globalteacherprize.org, provided they commit to teaching for at least another five years, dedicating a minimum of 10 hours per week.
What is the significance of investing in educators?
Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, CEO and vice-chairperson of Dubai Cares, highlighted the significance of investing in educators as a means to propel society forward.
How can dedicated educators transform the lives of their students and communities?
Mokolwane Masweneng and Mariette Wheeler serve as shining examples of how devoted educators can profoundly transform the lives of their students and effect lasting, positive change in their communities. Their nominations for the Global Teacher Prize are well-earned, and they continue to inspire and equip their students for the future while touching countless lives in the process.
