Teachers eye Nobel-style prize

British teachers with a passion for learning are being offered a one million-dollar prize (£654,000).

In order to be in with a chance of winning they must have a tale to tell about their profession.

They should also convince judges that they are "exceptional" in their contributions to the education trade.

The Varkey Foundation established its Nobel-style Global Teacher Award with the hope of inspiring today's children to become tomorrow's greatest teachers.

The take-up in the UK is much lower than among teachers from some other countries.

Last year's award saw 23 UK teachers apply, compared to 193 from India, 174 from the US and 98 from Nigeria, according to the foundation.

Despite the small number of UK candidates, one of them, Middlesbrough-based science teacher Richard Spencer made the final short-list of 10.

March's award instead went to US-based Nancie Atwell from Maine.

Dr Spencer urged teachers to enter if they are passionate when it comes to learning and teaching.

Copyright Press Association 2015