Pearson International School Teacher Awards
Meet the 2025 winners
The global and regional winners for the 2025 Pearson International School Teacher, Leader and Outstanding Innovator of the Year awards were announced at our awards ceremony on 26 June 2025.
Find out more about our winners and finalists below and watch the ceremony recording by clicking on the video to the right.
Loretta Aba Enu
International Community Montessori School, Ghana
Congratulations to Loretta! Read her nominations snapshots and our judges' comments below.
A snapshot of Loretta's nominations and our judges' comments
"Her passion for education, mentorship, and personal development has made a profound impact on both students and colleagues. She is not just a teacher; she is a role model, mentor, and an advocate for inclusive and engaging learning. She is dedicated to shaping young minds and empowering future generations.”
“One of her unique strengths is her use of gamification as a teaching strategy. She simplifies complex concepts through games, making learning fun and interactive. She creates an environment where education feels enjoyable rather than stressful.”
“She is deeply compassionate and makes special efforts to support children with special needs, ensuring they receive personalised attention and the necessary resources to thrive. Her dedication to inclusivity in education sets her apart as an exceptional educator.”
“What makes her stand out even more is her dedication beyond the classroom. Beyond her contributions to the school, Loretta is the founder and CEO of the Empower Her Movement, an initiative that motivates and supports young girls and women to become the best versions of themselves. Through this organisation, she extends her nurturing spirit beyond the classroom, helping young girls develop confidence, ambition, and resilience."
Judges' comments
“Loretta's Empower her Movement initiative stands out as exceptional. She is fully committed and goes above and beyond for her students. We are so impressed!”
Read more about Loretta
You can also read more about Loretta's inspirational approach to teaching and the impact she is having in our interview with her over on our blog.
International School Teacher of the Year: Africa winner
Loretta Aba Enu, International Community Montessori School, Ghana
"I'm incredibly honoured and excited. It's both humbling and uplifting to have my work recognised in this way. This opportunity means a lot to me, and it motivates me to keep growing and striving for excellence. I'm grateful to everyone who has supported me on this journey, I’m proud to be here."
International School Teacher of the Year: Asia winner
Elinor Galapitage, Elizabeth Moir International School, Sri Lanka
"Her lessons are well-prepared, challenging, varied but above all fun and interesting. Her passion for what she is teaching inspires her students. She helps them see Literature as modern, current and funny."
All teachers deserve awards and the fact that I was nominated for this honour in the first place is incredibly touching. We always tell our students that their exam results are our exam results, their successes and challenges are our successes and challenges. Every single one of my colleagues deserves to be recognised and I am humbled to be able to represent them at this ceremony. Thank you.
International School Teacher of the Year: Europe winner
Síghle O'Doherty, St George’s International School, Luxembourg
"She has an exceptional ability to tune into the needs of her class, recognising when to challenge, when to support, and how to adapt her teaching to ensure every child thrives."
I’m truly grateful to be a finalist in this year’s Pearson International School Teacher Awards. I love what I do, so it means a lot to have that recognised. I feel incredibly lucky to work with such brilliant children and supportive colleagues every day. This nomination is a reflection of the teamwork, creativity and positive spirit that make our school such a special place. It’s a real honour and a wonderful surprise that inspires me to keep growing as a teacher.
International School Teacher of the Year: Middle East winner
Safae Drissi, GEMS Metropole School, United Arab Emirates
"She makes learning an adventure. Her unwavering belief in her students has shaped not just my academic journey but the aspirations of countless others. She pushes students beyond the curriculum in exciting and empowering ways."
Being a finalist in this year’s awards is a huge honour and a proud moment. It means so much to have my passion, dedication, and commitment to my students recognised in this way. Teaching is more than a job, it's about inspiring the next generation, and I’m proud to be part of a profession that shapes the future every day. Thank you for this truly special recognition.
International School Teacher of the Year: Africa finalist
Sukaina Mahmood Khatau, Nairobi Jaffery Academy, Kenya
"She transforms the classroom into a dynamic and interactive learning space. Her dedication, creativity, and passion make her not just an exceptional teacher but a life-changing one."
Being named a finalist is an incredible honour that reflects the heart of why I teach - to make learning meaningful, empowering, and transformative. Knowing that students see my efforts as life-changing is deeply humbling. This recognition from Pearson is not just about me; it’s about every learner who’s dared to believe in themselves. It motivates me to keep creating dynamic, supportive spaces where students thrive, grow confident, and discover their true potential.
International School Teacher of the Year: Asia finalist
Shaheen Khan, Maple Leaf International School, Bangladesh
"She is an exceptional educator whose dedication to teaching and holistic development of her students has spanned 35 remarkable years. She transforms her classroom into a space where students feel empowered, motivated, and connected."
To be a finalist is as good as winning the award itself. Being a finalist has also reignited my sense of purpose and responsibility. It made me realise that no matter how long you have been in the profession, there’s always room to evolve, connect more deeply, and bring fresh energy into the classroom. I shall continue to impart knowledge, spread positivity, inspire my students and colleagues and pursue my passion with enthusiasm. Thank you Pearson for this great honour and Maple Leaf International School for believing in me.
International School Teacher of the Year: Asia finalist
Dr Su Su Maung, Tr Thuzar Education Centre, Myanmar
"Her passion for the subject is infectious, and she has this incredible ability to make even the trickiest concepts make sense. She just simply brings Chemistry into life!"
Being named a finalist in this year's Pearson Edexcel Teacher Awards is a profound honour and a moment of great pride. It recognises not only my personal dedication to teaching but also the collective effort of a supportive school community and the inspiring students I have the privilege to teach. I am immensely grateful to my students, whose enthusiasm, perseverance, and growth continually inspire me. This recognition belongs as much to them as it does to me. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to my school, whose support and shared vision for quality education have made this journey meaningful and possible.
International School Teacher of the Year: Europe finalist
Iamze Khutsishvili
St. George's Georgian-British School (BGS), Georgia
"She truly makes learning an unforgettable experience. With a boundless passion for teaching and an inspiring approach, she turns every lesson into an engaging adventure."
Being named a finalist in this year’s awards is a tremendous honour to be chosen among so many dedicated and inspiring educators. I'm truly grateful and this motivates me even more to continue learning, and making a difference in the classroom.
International School Teacher of the Year: Europe finalist
Kelly Coleman, El Limonar International School (ELIS) Murcia, Spain
"The impact Kelly has on her students is profound. She not only equips them with strong literacy skills but also instills a lifelong love for literature. She is, without question, an inspiring and transformative educator who changes lives."
I feel honoured to have been nominated, let alone a finalist! I feel exceptionally fortunate to work with incredible people and to have a career that I enjoy. I have had the privilege of working with so many wonderful staff and students that have also taught me so much. Teaching is one of the most exhausting, yet rewarding careers that you can have and I am genuinely very grateful.
International School Teacher of the Year: Middle East finalist
Azza Bahnasy, Al Wadi International School, Saudi Arabia
"She doesn’t just teach maths, she creates an environment where we feel supported and motivated to do our best. She’s built a connection with all of us that makes learning feel less like a chore and more like an opportunity to grow."
Being a finalist in the Pearson Edexcel Teacher Awards means the world to me. This recognition is not just mine; it belongs to my students, whose curiosity, resilience, and joy make teaching such a privilege. Every lesson we have shared and every challenge we have overcome together has shaped this moment. I am so proud of how far we have come, and I dedicate this honour to each of them. I’m also grateful to Mrs Horreya and Alwadi for being my greatest inspiration.
International School Teacher of the Year: Middle East finalist
Duaa' Omar Abu Touq, Bunat Al Ghad Academy, Jordan
"Her impact goes far beyond the classroom. Through her innovative teaching methods, active learning research, and her ability to create meaningful, real-world connections, she shapes the way students approach learning and problem-solving."
Being named one of the finalists for the Pearson Teacher of the Year award is incredibly humbling. It’s a moment that makes me pause and reflect on the years spent in the classroom - celebrating small victories, learning from challenges, and growing alongside my students. This recognition belongs to them as much as it does to me.
