13/02/2015

UK Teacher In Final Of $1m Teacher Competition

Science teacher Richard Spencer is the only UK teacher to make the finals of the Global Teacher Prize.

Mr Spencer, who teaches science at Middlesbrough College in north-east England, is one of ten teachers from around the world in with a chance of winning the competitions $1m (£650,000) prize.

Established by the Varkey Foundation, part of Dubai-based GEMS international education group, the competition seeks to "raise the status of teachers".

According to a report, Mr Spencer moved into teaching after completing a PhD in molecular biology and is said to use "unorthodox techniques", including role play, song and dance, and games in his lessons.

Under the rules of the competition, the prize winner is required to remain in the profession for a minimum of five years with the prize money paid in instalments over a ten year period.

(MH/IT)

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