The Varkey Foundation announced that Keishia Thorpe, a Prince George’s County high school teacher, has won the 2021 Global Teacher Prize and $1,000,000.
On Wednesday, Keishia Thorpe was announced as this year’s Global Teacher, beating out over 8,000 nominees from 121 countries. Thorpe currently teaches English at International High School at Langley Park in Prince George’s County.
According to the Varkey Foundation, “The Global Teacher Prize is a US $1 million award presented annually to an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to their profession.”
The Associated Press reported on Thorpe’s exceptional work that secured her the coveted title and prize:
Thorpe redesigned the 12th grade English curriculum to make it culturally relevant to her students, who are first-generation Americans, immigrants or refugees, the foundation said. She also assists students with applying for college and scholarships, helping them win $6.7 million in scholarships in the 2018-2019 school year, according to the foundation.
Thorpe was presented with the award during yesterday’s virtual ceremony. During the ceremony, Thorpe stated that “Every child needs a champion, an adult who will never ever give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become the very best they can be. This is why teachers will always matter. Teachers matter.”
Some of Thorpe’s students watched the awards ceremony virtually and reacted to her winning.
Previously, Governor Larry Hogan awarded Thorpe the Medal of Excellence for her work in influencing equitable policies in education, and she was named National Life Changer of the Year for 2018-2019.
Learn more about the Global Teacher Prize and Varkey Foundation.
