The Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards is back for its sixth year as we invite people around the world to tell us about their favourite teacher.  

The global competition provides the chance for students, parents and other teachers to say ‘thank-you’ to a special educator, as we join together to share examples of inspiring education across the world.  

Nominations are open until 15 February 2024. People can nominate by going to dedicatedteacher.cambridge.org/nominate and submitting a written entry of less than 150 words, or a video no longer than two minutes. 

A select panel of judges will pick nine regional winners who will appear on a thank you page at the beginning of new Cambridge University Press & Assessment International Education textbooks. They will also win a class set of books of their choice, as well as publicity about their achievement throughout the year.  

The public will then vote for the overall winner of the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards.  

Cambridge University Press established the awards to showcase the importance of teachers in shaping the lives of their students, through actions both big and small.  

Matthew Walker, Director of Teaching & Learning Content, said: “In an era of technological advancements and rapidly changing landscapes, the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards are a striking reminder that teachers remain the linchpin in a young person’s journey from the classroom to the real world. 

“We celebrate the unsung heroes who invest their time, energy, and passion into moulding the responsible citizens of tomorrow. Because teachers are not just conveyors of information; they are architects of character, mentors of resilience, and catalysts for inspiration. 

“The awards are not just a recognition of individual excellence but a collective tribute to the enduring significance of educators in shaping a brighter, more empowered future for generations to come.” 

Since its first year, the awards have received over 40,000 nominations from 145 countries. They have celebrated 290 shortlisted teachers, 29 regional winners and six overall global winners from a diverse cross-section of the global teaching community.  

The past six winners of the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher award include teachers from primary, secondary and vocational schools in Pakistan, Colombia, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Nigeria. Winners have come from independent schools and from rural, one-room schools without electricity. In all of these examples, the same warmth and dedication to their learners shines through.