Education is the most important aspect of human civilization as it defines the intellectuality and value of a person in the world. Imparting knowledge to the public with a motive to mold the young brains into efficient individuals, teachers are often considered as the backbone of a developed society. Be it academics, sports, any specific trade or just some standard responsibility, we all have more or less experienced the influence of teachers in our life. They not only take the pain to improvise us in desired subjects through regular guidance and motivation but also ensure a better future for us through their noble and altruistic assistance.
Through their selfless act and kindness for students can never be precisely measured, they are celebrated and honored for their services towards liberating ignorance and illiteracy across the world. As our country, India celebrates the 59th teacher’s day in memory of our former President Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan who was a great teacher and influencer for students throughout his life, we at Higher Education Review bring forth some awards and honors dedicated for teachers across the globe.
1. Global teacher prize (UK)
It is a prize sum of US 1 million $ awarded to teachers across the world for their noble contribution and dedication towards their profession. The prize highlights the personalities who are recognized and admired for their immaculate and imperative services towards the education of the students or communities around the globe. The award is managed by the Varkey Foundation, which is established and headed by Sunny Varkey in the memory of his parents who were both teachers. The results are published in the annual report of the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Status Index; the award is gaining a lot of appreciation in a grass root as well as global level. Inaugurated since 2014, the award has reportedly gained the support of many elite personalities such as His Holiness Pope Francis, Prince William, Prince Harry, Stephen Hawking, Hugh Jackman and Bill Gates.
2. National Teacher of the Year (US)
A professional award of the United States, National Teacher of the Year aims to recognize and honor to professionals who excelled in the teaching profession every year. Initiated in the year 1952 as a project by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), the National Teacher of the Year receives many nominations curated by students, teachers, principals and administrators. The finalists are selected by a panel of representatives of major educational organizations of the United States, out of which the winner is declared on the basis of their biography, interview and essays which they have to submit compulsorily at the time of nomination. The chosen individual is finally honored by the President of the United States in the White House Rose Garden. Although there are no specific guidelines for selection of the awardees, the main source of their assortment lies in their ability to inspire students from all over the States from different communities and classes through their teaching and guidance. The winning teacher refrains from his duties for the next consecutive year to advocate as a spokesperson highlighting the nobilities of the teaching profession.
3. Dronacharya Award (India)
Dronacharya Award for Outstanding Coaches in Sports and Games which is otherwise known as Dronacharya Award is bestowed by the Govt. of India to honor the proficient sports coaches in their respective fields. The award is named after the mythological character ‘Guru Drona’ of the famous Hindu epic ‘The Mahabharat’ who trained the Kaurav and Pandav princes in advanced military warfare. Awarded annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the reward comprises of prize money 15 Lakh Rupees (US$21,000), a bronze statue of Guru Drona, a certificate and one ceremonial dress. Instituted in the year 1985, the award covers various disciplines included in the events such as the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Cup, Cricket, and World Championships. Selected by a 10 member committee created by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the award honors the coaches who have motivated and enabled the sportspersons to excel outstandingly and consistently at an international level. Although the Dronacharya Award is doesn’t exceed more than 5 recipients annually but a few exceptions have been made in 2012 and 2016-2020).
4. José Vasconcelos World Award of Education (World cultural council)
Named after the famous Mexican educator, essayist, and philosopher José Vasconcelos who served as a Rector of the University of Mexico, and after being appointed as the Minister of Public Education (1920-1924), he initiated major reforms in the Mexican school system, especially expanding the rural school program. The José Vasconcelos World Award of Education is granted on the behalf of the World cultural council to a renowned teacher and educationist across the world who has succeeded in introducing visionary innovations in the field of education. The jury team designated for the selection procedure of José Vasconcelos World Award of Education consists of several members of the interdisciplinary committee and a group of eminent educationalists. Presented biennially since 1988, the reward consists of a diploma, commemorative medal, and a cheque of US$10,000.
5. National Award for Teachers (India)
National Award for Teachers is granted by the president of India on Teacher’s Day i.e. 5th September of every year, to the teachers of primary, middle, and secondary schools of India for their exemplary work in the field of education. Instituted in 1958, the award covers a wide range of teachers belonging to various schools affiliated to CBSE, ICSCE, Sainik School, KVS, NVS, autonomous affiliated schools in abroad, as well as schools governed by the Atomic Energy Education Society. The selection procedure is conducted by a State level selection committee presided over by a Director of Education or Head of an Organization along with a nominee of Union Government as a member. During the selection procedure, the categories through which the teachers are nominated for the award include specially-abled teachers working in regular schools and trained general teachers who have done outstanding work in the field of education. The final selection of teachers is done by Govt. of India on the basis of merit and the award consist of a medal, certificate, and INR 50,000/- as award money.
