LONDON, Jul 14: The winner of the USD 1 million GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2025 called on “superhuman” Indian educators to be celebrated as nominations for the 2026 edition of the annual award opened on Monday.

Mansour bin Abdullah Al-Mansour, the Saudi Arabian teacher who won this year’s big prize for his visionary approach using artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and interactive learning platforms to revolutionise the classroom experience, urged students and parents to nominate inspiring teachers in India.

Since its launch in 2015, the annual GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize has received over 100,000 applications and nominations from around the globe.

“Every day across India, teachers are using their superhuman powers to transform young lives,” said Al-Mansour.

“With remarkable resilience, bold innovation, and unwavering courage, they go above and beyond to protect, guide, and shape the futures of their students. I invite every inspiring educator to step into the light and apply for the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2026,” he said.

“I also urge students and parents to nominate teachers who are making a lasting difference in their lives. These are stories of passion, dedication, and brilliance the world needs to hear – and their achievements deserve to be celebrated on a global stage,” he added.

Mohammad Imran Khan Mewati, a teacher at Government Sanskrit Secondary School in Rajasthan’s Bhopa ka Bas, had made it to the top 10 shortlist of the prize last year.

“At a time of growing teacher shortages, increasing challenges, and rapid technological change, one truth remains clear: teachers are essential. If we are to build a just, inclusive, and sustainable world, investing in teachers is not optional – it’s imperative,” said Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director-General for Education at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize is open to working teachers who teach children who are in compulsory schooling or are between the ages of five and eighteen.

Teachers who teach children aged four and above in an early years government-recognised curriculum are also eligible, as are teachers who teach on a part-time basis, and teachers of online courses.

“I encourage all inspiring teachers in India to step forward and apply for this year’s prize. This is your moment to join a global movement of educators who are leading the charge toward a better, more just future for all,” said Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Global Teacher Prize, the Varkey Foundation, and GEMS Education.

The applications will be narrowed down to a Top 50 shortlist later this year, followed by the Top 10 finalists to be unveiled in early 2026.

The winner will be chosen from the finalists by the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize Academy made up of prominent individuals. (PTI)