Alumna named best teacher in the world

UCL alumna Andria Zafirakou ( PGCE Art and Design ) has been announced as the world's best teacher after winning the 2018 Global Teacher Prize. Mrs Zafirakou, who attended the UCL Institute of Education (IOE), works at Alperton Community School in Brent, and was shortlisted from more than 30,000 people for the award, winning a prize of $1 million (£720,000). She becomes the first UK winner of the prize which is awarded by education charity the Varkey Foundation. The ceremony took place at the Global Education Skills Forum, an event which saw speakers including former Prime Minister Tony Blair, Olympic champion Mo Farah and IOE Director Professor Becky Francis. Following her victory, Andria Zafirakou said: "I'm so humbled to accept this award, not just for myself but on behalf of every teacher who is making an amazing amount of difference in their communities." In her acceptance speech she paid tribute to her pupils and colleagues and teachers throughout the world: "I want to share this honour with my fellow teachers and wonderful students at Alperton Community School in Brent, London. "I also want to share this honour with my fellow finalists [..] and all the teachers all over the world because tonight it's not about one person it's about celebrating all the teachers and recognising the important role they play in shaping the future for our children." Aside from her work as an art and textiles teacher and member of the senior leadership team, Mrs Zafirakou was nominated for earning the trust of her pupils and their families to help understand the complex lives they've come from.