Local teacher worth a $1 million
Phuti Ragophala has been named one of the top 50 exceptional teachers in the world
LIMPOPO – Local teacher and principle of Pula Madibogo Primary School in Mankweng, who recently announced she has retired from traditional way of teaching to online teaching, has been named one of the top 50 exceptional teachers in the world.
Phuti Ragophala who has been teaching Economic and Management Sciences at the school was yesterday (Wednesday) included in the top 50 shortlist for the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2017. Now in its third year, the US$1 million award is the largest prize of its kind.
“From South Africa Seshego , I made it in Global Teachers Prize to be amongst the first TOP 50 Teachers who are made huge commendable difference in Education. Thank you Lord”, reads one of her Facebook posts.
@phutiragophala Congratulations on your selection for the Global Teacher Prize top 50. We are very proud of you! pic.twitter.com/InTGOHMmLX
— Steve Sherman (@LivingMaths) December 14, 2016
The Top 50 have been shortlisted from over 20 000 nominations and applications from 179 countries from around the world. The Top 50 shortlist for the Global Teacher Prize 2017 has representatives from 37 countries.
The 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. 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.
The winner will be announced at the Global Education & Skills Forum in Dubai on Sunday 19 March 2017.
More about her: Phuti has undertaken a number of initiatives to widen the education available to her students and has helped students acquire the desire to become scientists, farmers and pharmacists.
Working in a semi-rural area, most of her learners are orphans, or from families where parents are poor or ill. Instead of turning children away if their parents are unable to pay for classes, she has managed to empower parents by employing them in the running of the school, giving their children opportunities they would not have otherwise had.
With the prize funds, she would improve the facilities of her school, adding a sanitation block, library building, and more computers in the short term.
“am still Phuti Ragophala. Those who want to know how I did it, I am available to share, assist , inspire so that come next year you stand a better chance to be where I am now.”
It took me 32 years of teaching and learning service to be where I am now. Its not an overnight thing. Please rally behind me next year in Dubai March 2017 where I will be competing for one million dollars.
