Iranian Instructor in Global Teacher Prize Shortlist

An Iranian instructor is among the 50 shortlisted teachers from around the world for the Global Teacher Prize 2017.

Ferdos Hajian is a teacher at an elementary school in Afrakoty village in Qaem Shahr County in northern Iran. He became publically known after he hosted an educational TV show on state broadcaster IRIB titled ‘Alphabet Township’, ISNA reported.

Hajian, 54, entered teacher training college at the age of 18. Later he developed an innovative teaching method in primary school in which he combined songs and games, promoted peace, explored nature and removed the onerous homework. He used the same method in his TV show which was welcomed by the public.

Hajian has also organized teacher training classes attended by thousands of instructors and principals.

If he is awarded the $ 1 million prize, he would dedicate a major share of it to support underprivileged children and women, he said.

The event is organized by the Varkey Foundation, a not-for-profit organization with headquarters in London.

  Spotlight on Teachers’ Role

Now in its third year, the award was set up to recognize one exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession and to bring into the spotlight the important role of teachers.

The top 50 teachers representing 37 countries have been shortlisted from over 20,000 nominations from 179 countries.

The shortlisted teachers have been judged by a Prize Committee with the final 10 candidates to be announced in February 2017. The winner will be chosen from the 10 finalists by the Global Teacher Prize Academy. All 10 finalists will be invited to Dubai for the Award Ceremony at the Global Education and Skills Forum (GESF) on March 19, 2017 where the winner will be announced live.

The Global Teacher Prize Academy includes public officials, head teachers, academics, journalists, entrepreneurs, company directors, scientists and entertainment industry figures from around the world.