Ghanaian teacher contests $1 million Global Teacher prize

A mathematics teacher at Meagasa Mathematics Academy, Lashibi near Accra has been shortlisted for the Global Teacher Prize 2018.

Professor Sitsofe Enyonam Anku, having been selected from over 30,000 nominations and applications from 173 countries around the world, is the first Ghanaian to have been nominated among the top 50 shortlist for the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2018.

The Global Teacher Prize

The Global Teacher Prize was set up to recognise one exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession, as well as to shine a spotlight on the important role teachers play in society.

Now in its fourth year, the US$1 million award is the largest prize of its kind. The winner will be announced at the Global Education and Skills Forum in Dubai on Sunday, March 18, 2018 after a further narrow down of the 50 to 10 finalists by a prize committee to be announced in February 2018, the ultimate winner will then be chosen from the 10 finalists by the Global Teacher Prize Academy.

By unearthing thousands of stories of heroes that have transformed young people’s lives, the prize hopes to bring to life the exceptional work of millions of teachers all over the world.

Prof. Anku

Prof. Anku is a nationally and internationally-renowned mathematics educator, promoting practical mathematics to overcome students’ fears of the subject and helping them appreciate its real life applications.

He is currently the Founder and Executive Director of Meagasa Mathematics Academy, which supports children, aged six to 18, and his teaching programmes have helped students find enjoyment and excitement in mathematics, as they learn to communicate confidently, work well in teams and respect others’ opinions.

Teaching methodologies

Prof. Anku’s teaching methodologies are used in classrooms across Ghana and other parts of the world.

His writing, mathematics clubs and camps and a national tour have brought practical mathematics to thousands of people.

The top 50 shortlist has representatives from 33 countries and by highlighting their stories the Varkey Foundation hopes that the public will be able to join in passionate debates about the importance of teachers.

An honour to Ghanaian teachers

Confirming his nomination to the Daily Graphic, Prof. Anku said the nomination was an honour not only to him, but to teachers in Ghana and the country as a whole.

He said the competition started in March 2017, where the nominees went through a number of stages during which the 50 were selected.

He explained that the programme elevated the status of teachers on the important role they played in educating the nation.

From the Varkey Foundation

The Founder of the Varkey Foundation and the Global Teacher Prize, Mr Sunny Varkey, in a statement, said: “Congratulations to Sitsofe Enyonam Anku  reaching the final 50. I hope his story inspires those looking to enter the teaching profession and shines a spotlight on the incredible work teachers do all over the world every day.

 “We intend to keep this momentum going as our journey continues to return teachers to their rightful position as one of the most respected professions in society.

 “We were overwhelmed by the huge support the Global Teacher Prize received this year. The over 30,000 nominations and applications we received from every corner of the planet are testimony to the achievements of teachers and the enormous impact they have on all of our lives,” the statement said.