Global Teacher Award for three of our teachers!

Three teachers from our network were honoured at the Global Teacher Award! We are very proud of them and let them talk in this blog post. Read the interviews by Liliana Fernandes, Iro Koliakou, and Maria Zambrotta. 

Liliana Fernandes is a primary school teacher at Agrupamento de Escolas de Alberto Sampaio in Portugal and a Science on Stage Europe ambassador. 

Why is it important for teachers to be recognised in this way?

This recognition is important because your work is recognised by your peers, among hundreds, around the world. It enhances your confidence and motivation to learn and share with others. It is a Global Award that gives you an extra boost of energy, to thrive and go further, as it is not easy to be a Teacher, currently, with all the technology and resources available to students, and restricted due to health concerns. 

What does the award mean to you?

It is a great honour to be recognised, it is a long path, from our classroom to a window to the world, and this award gave my work a spotlight it didn't have, allowing me to meet other colleagues, in different contexts and realities, and share my work and learn from their own. Teaching is not a competition, but rather cooperation, and all this work is only meaningful when shared and applied by other Teachers. 

What advice would you give to other teachers who are considering participating?

Never give up, cooperate, collaborate, never be afraid to share! Be brave and keep on going, even if not winning, in the end, you will always win from what you learn and share with others. As we seldom say, "Together, we always win!"

Iro Koliakou is a physics, geography, and biology teacher at Anatolia College Thessaloniki in Greece and is part of our project "Act Now for the UN Sustainable Development Goals". 

Why is it important for teachers to be recognised in this way?

I would say that it is important to follow the path that leads to this recognition, rather than the award itself.  What I mean is that as teachers in the 21 st Century it is important to exchange good practices, share ideas and acquire new skills that can be applied in the classroom. 

We are at the beginning of a 4th industrial revolution and as educators, we are faced with the challenge of preparing a generation of students for a constantly changing work environment. I believe that taking part in projects that promote education globally, becoming members of a global community of teachers helps us have a bigger impact on our students. The biggest award of a teacher is knowing that he or she has done the best one can do in order to inspire his /her students, help them blossom and progress in life.

What does the award mean to you?

This award has made me part of a global network of educators through which important projects with global impact can be developed. Furthermore, this award came during my first year as STEM Coordinator of Anatolia College Thessaloniki, Greece, an organization that promotes a culture of educational excellence. Without the support of my organisation, I would not have been able to be part of all the projects that made me eligible for this award. I also believe that my involvement in Science on Stage SDGs in STEM project also played an important role in my selection as it is a project that has connected me with inspiring educators from all around Europe. 

What advice would you give to other teachers who are considering participating?

I would say go for it. It is a rather simple procedure. One must show involvement in international projects that have also an impact on the community and of course have the endorsement from his/her school principal. 

Maria Zambrotta is a chemistry teacher at IIS Santorre di Santarosa in Italy and is part of our project "Act Now for the UN Sustainable Development Goals". 

Why is it important for teachers to be recognised in this way?

It is important that the work of teachers in contact with the local area is valued. The award is a recognition that innovation in teaching can be slow but brings great satisfaction. The involvement with community and international projects are activities that allow for ongoing collaboration, sharing of time, documentation of results, and, what doesn't hurt, an increase in motivation, self-esteem, and learning outcomes.

What does the award mean to you?

Receiving the award has made me very proud of the work I have done over the years and has given me the impetus for new projects in the future. 

What advice would you give to other teachers who are considering participating?

Over the years, I've noticed how educational and exchange opportunities are very dear to students, but still very little known among teachers. Many teachers want to improve and compare themselves, but often they don't do it for fear of excessive bureaucracy, difficulties with the English language, problems with the use of information technology. Not trying is certainly a mistake, generally dictated by the fatigue of getting involved and getting out of one's own "comfort zone". Once the first hurdle has been overcome, everything changes. Forever.