.jpg)
The GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize has widened its eligibility for 2027, opening the award to educators working beyond traditional school classrooms.
Digital educators, teachers in refugee and non-formal settings, and leaders of structured education programs can now apply. Classroom teachers remain eligible, reflecting how teaching increasingly takes place across different environments and delivery models.
Applications for the USD$1m prize close on 12 October.
Eligibility expands beyond classroom teachers
Applicants must have worked with learners aged four to 18 for at least five years. Eligible candidates include teachers in government and independent schools, early years educators, and teachers in non-formal settings.
Digital educators can also qualify if they teach ongoing groups of students through video or other published formats. Program founders and leaders are eligible where they design, direct and scale structured learning, including community-based programs.
Part-time, contract and self-employed educators are assessed on the same basis as full-time staff.
The expanded scope comes as education systems continue to address changing workforce needs and a broader range of teaching roles. Australia’s National Teacher Workforce Action Plan includes elevating the profession among its five priority areas.
The Educator has also reported on teacher recognition through initiatives including the Australian Education Awards.
Australian teachers have featured in recent shortlists
Australian educators have appeared in recent editions of the prize.
Colleen O’Rourke from The Hills Christian Community School in South Australia reached the top 10 in 2026. Jade Bassett from Rutherford Technology High School in New South Wales made the top 50. Bassett was also named Education Rising Star of the Year at the Australian Education Awards.
India’s Rouble Nagi went on to win the 2026 prize after being selected from more than 5,000 nominations and applications across 139 countries.
“Across Australia, pioneering teachers are doing something remarkable—quietly and consistently changing the course of young people’s lives. With deep commitment, bold thinking, and genuine heart, they show up and inspire every single day not just to teach, but to nurture, challenge, and believe in every child in their care,” Nagi said.
“I want to encourage every teacher who is making a real difference to apply for the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2027. And to students and parents, if someone has changed your life, please nominate them. The world deserves to hear these stories and these educators deserve to be recognised.”
What the judges will consider
Applicants will be assessed on teaching effectiveness, innovation, learning outcomes and impact beyond their immediate school or program. Judges will also consider contributions to global citizenship, the teaching profession, and external recognition of their work.
Sunny Varkey, founder of the Global Teacher Prize, said the updated criteria reflected changes in how education is delivered.
“As the world around us changes, teachers are constantly adapting how and where they teach, reaching and inspiring young people in classrooms, online and in communities around the world. This year, the Prize reflects that changing landscape by recognising an even wider range of educators, including those teaching in refugee and out-of-school settings and through digital platforms,” Varkey said.
Teachers can apply directly, while students, parents and others can nominate an educator. Nominees are then invited to complete their own application. All details are on the Global Teacher Prize website.
The field will be reduced to a top 50 and then a final 10 before the winner is selected by the Global Teacher Prize Academy.