BY ERIC KING
A maths teacher who has created more than a thousand videos to explain the subject to pupils has been shortlisted for a Nobel style prize worth a million dollars.
Colin Hegarty, of Preston Manor school in Wembley, north-west London made it to the final 10 shortlisted for the second annual Varkey Foundation global teacher prize, which recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession.
The winner will be revealed at a ceremony held at the Global Education and Skills Forum in Dubai next month.
Hegarty told The eye of media.com that he was “flabbergasted” when he found out he had made the shortlist, adding it is “ I was a bit shell shocked when they called to tell me . It’s amazing and I hope to keep it up.”
Hegarty’s interest in the competition was sparked last year – the first time it was run – and submitted an entry this year after it was suggested to him that he would make a good candidate. “It’s an amazing idea to get good news stories out there about amazing teachers,” he said.
Originally an accountant for Deloitte, the impressive teacher moved into the teaching profession six years ago. The delighted teacher added: “I love teaching maths, ever since I changed career. I can’t get enough of it.”
The exceptional teacher is a shining example of sacrifice and dedication, with qualities that should be emulated by teachers nation wide. Deloitte started creating videos on the subject about four years ago, after an A-level student had to take time off to see his sick father and was worried about falling behind.
Full of empathy and commitment to his students, the 34 year old teacher put his maths lessons online in order to enable the student to continue his studies without falling behind. The student as a result passed his A-level. Committed with a heart for students, Hegarty has put his work on you tube which he hopes will be of great assistance to secondary school pupils all over the country. With a hit of over 5 million views, this teacher is destined to be a hit among youngsters and aspiring pupils.
Hegarty also won a UK teacher of the year award prize in 2014, and is now taking a sabbatical to establish a dedicated website for his maths videos.
Last year’s global teacher prize winner was Nancie Atwell from the United States, who donated her prize money to her school. Richard Spencer from Middlesborough had reached the top 10.
The awards were presented at a ceremony addressed
by former US president Bill Clinton, with contributions from Bill Gates.
The awards were presented at a ceremony addressed by former US president Bill Clinton, with contributions from Bill Gates.
The outstanding project set up by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, his wife, and investor Warren Buffet has the potential to inspire a rise in quality teaching world wide.
The outstanding teacher also plans to invest the huge prize in order to enhance the quality of maths education. his website if he wins. “ First, he has to get past other finalists drawn from eight other countries including America, Pakistan and Australia.
The winner will receive $1m and serve as a global ambassador for the Varkey Foundation, attending events and speaking about their work. He or she will also be required to remain working as a classroom teacher for at least five years as a condition of winning the award.
Sunny Varkey, founder of the Varkey Foundation, said: “I want to congratulate Colin Hegarty for being selected as a top 10 finalist from such a huge number of talented and dedicated teachers.
“I My hope is for this story to inspire those looking to enter the teaching profession and also shine a powerful spotlight on the incredible work teachers do all over the UK and throughout the world every day, he told The eye of media. We hope so too mate, we hope so too.
Picture Credit to PA