ɫèAV International School Teacher Awards
Meet the 2025 winners
The global and regional winners for the 2025 ɫèAV International School Teacher, Leader and Outstanding Innovator of the Year awards were announced at our awards ceremony on 26 June 2025.
Find out more about our winners and finalists belowand watch the ceremony recording by clicking on the video to the right.
Play
Loretta Aba Enu
International Community Montessori School, Ghana
Congratulations to Loretta! Read her nominations snapshots and our judges' comments below.
A snapshot of Loretta's nominations and our judges' comments
"Her passion for education, mentorship, and personal development has made a profound impact on both students and colleagues. She is not just a teacher; she is a role model, mentor, and an advocate for inclusive and engaging learning. She is dedicated to shaping young minds and empowering future generations.”
“One of her unique strengths is her use of gamification as a teaching strategy. She simplifies complex concepts through games, making learning fun and interactive. She creates an environment where education feels enjoyable rather than stressful.”
“She is deeply compassionate and makes special efforts to support children with special needs, ensuring they receive personalised attention and the necessary resources to thrive. Her dedication to inclusivity in education sets her apart as an exceptional educator.”
“What makes her stand out even more is her dedication beyond the classroom. Beyond her contributions to the school, Loretta is the founder and CEO of the Empower Her Movement, an initiative that motivates and supports young girls and women to become the best versions of themselves. Through this organisation, she extends her nurturing spirit beyond the classroom, helping young girls develop confidence, ambition, and resilience."
Judges' comments
“Loretta's Empower her Movement initiative stands out as exceptional. She is fully committed and goes above and beyond for her students. We are so impressed!”
International School Teacher of the Year: Africa winner
Loretta Aba Enu, International Community Montessori School, Ghana
"I'm incredibly honoured and excited. It's both humbling and uplifting to have my work recognised in this way. This opportunity means a lot to me, and it motivates me to keep growing and striving for excellence. I'm grateful to everyone who has supported me on this journey, I’m proud to be here."
International School Teacher of the Year: Asia winner
Elinor Galapitage, Elizabeth Moir International School, Sri Lanka
"Her lessons are well-prepared, challenging, varied but above all fun and interesting. Her passion for what she is teaching inspires her students. She helps them see Literature as modern, current and funny."
All teachers deserve awards and the fact that I was nominated for this honour in the first place is incredibly touching. We always tell our students that their exam results are our exam results, their successes and challenges are our successes and challenges. Every single one of my colleagues deserves to be recognised and I am humbled to be able to represent them at this ceremony. Thank you.
International School Teacher of the Year: Europe winner
Síghle O'Doherty, St George’s International School, Luxembourg
"She has an exceptional ability to tune into the needs of her class, recognising when to challenge, when to support, and how to adapt her teaching to ensure every child thrives."
I’m truly grateful to be a finalist in this year’s ɫèAV International School Teacher Awards. I love what I do, so it means a lot to have that recognised. I feel incredibly lucky to work with such brilliant children and supportive colleagues every day. This nomination is a reflection of the teamwork, creativity and positive spirit that make our school such a special place. It’s a real honour and a wonderful surprise that inspires me to keep growing as a teacher.
International School Teacher of the Year: Middle East winner
Safae Drissi, GEMS Metropole School, United Arab Emirates
"She makes learning an adventure.Her unwavering belief in her students has shaped not just my academic journey but the aspirations of countless others.She pushes students beyond the curriculum in exciting and empowering ways."
Being a finalist in this year’s awards is a huge honour and a proud moment. It means so much to have my passion, dedication, and commitment to my students recognised in this way. Teaching is more than a job, it's about inspiring the next generation, and I’m proud to be part of a profession that shapes the future every day. Thank you for this truly special recognition.
International School Teacher of the Year: Africa finalist
Sukaina Mahmood Khatau, Nairobi Jaffery Academy, Kenya
"She transforms the classroom into a dynamic and interactive learning space. Her dedication, creativity, and passion make her not just an exceptional teacher but a life-changing one."
Being named a finalist is an incredible honour that reflects the heart of why I teach - to make learning meaningful, empowering, and transformative. Knowing that students see my efforts as life-changing is deeply humbling. This recognition from ɫèAV is not just about me; it’s about every learner who’s dared to believe in themselves. It motivates me to keep creating dynamic, supportive spaces where students thrive, grow confident, and discover their true potential.
International School Teacher of the Year: Asia finalist
Shaheen Khan, Maple Leaf International School, Bangladesh
"She is an exceptional educator whose dedication to teaching and holistic development of her students has spanned 35 remarkable years. She transforms her classroom into a space where students feel empowered, motivated, and connected."
To be a finalist is as good as winning the award itself. Being a finalist has also reignited my sense of purpose and responsibility. It made me realise that no matter how long you have been in the profession, there’s always room to evolve, connect more deeply, and bring fresh energy into the classroom. I shall continue to impart knowledge, spread positivity, inspire my students and colleagues and pursue my passion with enthusiasm. Thank you ɫèAV for this great honour and Maple Leaf International School for believing in me.
International School Teacher of the Year: Asia finalist
Dr Su Su Maung, Tr Thuzar Education Centre, Myanmar
"Her passion for the subject is infectious, and she has this incredible ability to make even the trickiest concepts make sense.She just simply brings Chemistry into life!"
Being named a finalist in this year's ɫèAV Edexcel Teacher Awards is a profound honour and a moment of great pride. It recognises not only my personal dedication to teaching but also the collective effort of a supportive school community and the inspiring students I have the privilege to teach. I am immensely grateful to my students, whose enthusiasm, perseverance, and growth continually inspire me. This recognition belongs as much to them as it does to me. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to my school, whose support and shared vision for quality education have made this journey meaningful and possible.
International School Teacher of the Year: Europe finalist
Iamze Khutsishvili
St. George's Georgian-British School (BGS), Georgia
"She truly makes learning an unforgettable experience. With a boundless passion for teaching and an inspiring approach, she turns every lesson into an engaging adventure."
Being named a finalist in this year’s awards is a tremendous honour to be chosen among so many dedicated and inspiring educators. I'm truly grateful and this motivates me even more to continue learning, and making a difference in the classroom.
International School Teacher of the Year: Europe finalist
Kelly Coleman, El Limonar International School (ELIS) Murcia, Spain
"The impact Kelly has on her students is profound. She not only equips them with strong literacy skills but also instills a lifelong love for literature. She is, without question, an inspiring and transformative educator who changes lives."
I feel honoured to have been nominated, let alone a finalist! I feel exceptionally fortunate to work with incredible people and to have a career that I enjoy. I have had the privilege of working with so many wonderful staff and students that have also taught me so much. Teaching is one of the most exhausting, yet rewarding careers that you can have and I am genuinely very grateful.
International School Teacher of the Year: Middle East finalist
Azza Bahnasy, Al Wadi International School, Saudi Arabia
"She doesn’t just teach maths, she creates an environment where we feel supported and motivated to do our best. She’s built a connection with all of us that makes learning feel less like a chore and more like an opportunity to grow."
Being a finalist in the ɫèAV Edexcel Teacher Awards means the world to me. This recognition is not just mine; it belongs to my students, whose curiosity, resilience, and joy make teaching such a privilege. Every lesson we have shared and every challenge we have overcome together has shaped this moment. I am so proud of how far we have come, and I dedicate this honour to each of them. I’m also grateful to Mrs Horreya and Alwadi for being my greatest inspiration.
International School Teacher of the Year: Middle East finalist
Duaa' Omar Abu Touq, Bunat Al Ghad Academy, Jordan
"Her impact goes far beyond the classroom. Through her innovative teaching methods, active learning research, and her ability to create meaningful, real-world connections, she shapes the way students approach learning and problem-solving."
Being named one of the finalists for the ɫèAV Teacher of the Year award is incredibly humbling. It’s a moment that makes me pause and reflect on the years spent in the classroom - celebrating small victories, learning from challenges, and growing alongside my students. This recognition belongs to them as much as it does to me.
Ronan Kearney
Crimson Global Academy, New Zealand
Congratulations to Ronan! Read his nominations snapshots and our judges' comments below.
A snapshot of Ronan's nominations and our judges' comments
“His leadership enhances academic rigour while maintaining a supportive environment. He is always available to provide clear guidance and effective solutions.”
“He stands out as one of the top five instrumental influences in my career. His trust in me has been empowering.”
“He prioritises staff development, ensuring his team feels supported and empowered. His streamlined processes reduce administrative burdens, allowing teachers to prioritise teaching. His four-day teaching model, with the fifth day dedicated to enrichment activities, fosters holistic student development.”
“His leadership impacts everyone. A student shared, ‘He goes above and beyond—whether stepping up as an EPQ supervisor or singing a solo in assembly, my time at school has been significantly richer because of him.’”
“He mentors students applying to top universities, including Oxbridge. One parent noted, “You are his role model in everything—so kind yet professional. We are so fortunate our son is in good hands with you.”
Judges' comments
“He is clearly an exceptional leader and celebrated as such by his colleagues, students and parent body.”
“He is transforming the educational experience of his students, introducing innovative programmes, like his four-day teaching model, to the benefit of the whole school community.”
“His focus on support doesn’t end in school – he works hard to inspire and coach his students to take their next steps into higher education and is improving their life experiences as a result.”
“To have created such a strong sense of community in an online school is impressive – he is a worthy winner of this award!”
International School Leader of the Year: Africa winner
Ildar Iliazov, Light International School Mombasa, Kenya
"Through transformative initiatives and a relentless passion for education, he has positioned the school as an internationally recognised institution of excellence. He inspires students, staff, and the broader community to reach their full potential."
Being selected as a finalist in the ɫèAV International School Teacher Awards is an incredible honour. It recognises not just my personal efforts but also the dedication of my remarkable colleagues, students, and our whole school community. This nomination inspires me to continue advocating for excellence and innovation in education, empowering young leaders, and fostering environments where everyone can thrive and make a meaningful impact both locally and globally.
International School Leader of the Year: Asia winner
Rev Araliya Jayasundara OSB, Trinity College Kandy, Sri Lanka
"He leads by example, dedicating time and effort to engage with students, parents, and teachers. His hands-on approach in academic planning, teacher mentoring, and student development makes him an inspiration to the entire school community."
Life is about purpose. 8 years ago when my predecessor laid the foundation for Trinity College Kandy International Qualifications, we started a journey. In 2020 it was my responsibility to take this innovation forward. With the help of an incredible team, today we are a leading provider of quality international education. we are very grateful to ɫèAV for this immense honour.
International School Leader of the Year: Aus + NZ winner
Ronan Kearney, Crimson Global Academy, New Zealand
"He has transformed CGA into a connected, engaged community. He actively promotes student connections beyond the online classroom, advocating for opportunities that help students collaborate and thrive.”
Being named a finalist for the 2025 ɫèAV School Leader of the Year award is a meaningful recognition of the work we’re doing at Crimson Global Academy to reimagine what education can be. It reflects the collective effort of a passionate team committed to innovation, inclusion, and student success in a truly global context. I’m proud to represent our community and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the future of international education.
International School Leader of the Year: Middle East winner
Fatima Helmy, Yasmina British Academy, United Arab Emirates
"She has created an environment where both students and teachers thrive. Her leadership, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence continue to shape the future of learning, ensuring a new generation of empowered and enlightened leaders."
Being named a finalist felt like a tender whisper from above - an unexpected embrace after a year that stretched my heart in countless quiet ways. It was a gentle reminder that the unseen efforts, the silent prayers, and the late nights do matter. I dedicate this moment to my eight precious children - my forever source of love, strength, and inspiration. And to every child I’ve ever taught - your wonder, words, and warm smiles remind me that teaching is a sacred act of love, like motherhood - rooted in hope, patience, and endless giving!
International School Leader of the Year: Africa finalist
David Nana Amoah Mensah, International Community Montessori School, Ghana
"He fosters an inclusive, diverse, and supportive environment. His wisdom, humour, and mentorship make him an invaluable asset to the school community, where he is affectionately known as the "DNA-the seat of wisdom" He is a great leader."
Being selected as a finalist for the 2025 ɫèAV International School Teacher Awards is a tremendous honour. I'm humbled and grateful for this recognition. This is another level of opportunity to learn as we are always learning with ɫèAV. It's a privilege to be among exceptional educators worldwide. This nomination inspires me to continue innovating and empowering students and colleague heads and teachers. I'm thrilled to represent my school, community and country on this global stage, and I look forward to the celebration!
International School Leader of the Year: Africa finalist
Ragia Mansour, Kayan International College, Egypt
"Her leadership is not just about managing a school; it’s about inspiring a community. She fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, where both students and staff thrive."
Being chosen for the ɫèAV International School Teacher awards is an incredible honour and an unforgettable moment. It means the hard work, passion and dedication poured in throught the year have truly made an impact. It's a celebration of achievement, growth, and resilience. To stand among such inspiring peers is both humbling and energising. To be named a finalist is to stand among the best, it motivates me to keep striving, continue the hard work and excellence in everything that lies ahead.
International School Leader of the Year: Asia finalist
Wilda Liona Suri, Mutiara Harapan Islamic School Bangka, Indonesia
"She is an exceptional leader whose dedication to students and staff creates a thriving, dynamic educational environment that inspires all who work with her. She is a passionate educator who truly understands the transformative power of education."
Being selected as a finalist is a deeply humbling experience. It is a recognition not just of my work, but of the collective passion and dedication of our school community. I am grateful to be part of a team that believes in nurturing excellence, fostering collaboration, and leading with heart. I share this honour with my dedicated team, who inspire me every day to lead with heart and make a lasting impact.
International School Leader of the Year: Asia finalist
Yu Mon Soe, Tara's International School, Myanmar
"She is a transformational leader shaping the future of education. Her dedication to sustainability, digital transformation, and leadership innovation has positioned her school as a benchmark for excellence in international education."
Being selected as a regional finalist for the Asia Leader of the Year 2025 is a tremendous honour. This recognition means a great deal not only to me but also to other school leaders in Myanmar, a country facing many challenges. I hope this award reflects our resilience and inspires others to continue striving for excellence in education. Thank you, ɫèAV, for highlighting our efforts and giving us hope through this meaningful platform.
International School Leader of the Year: Middle East finalist
Timothy Shanahan, English International School Baghdad, Iraq
"A truly inspiring school leader who leads by example and fosters a culture of excellence, motivation, and community. He has made a profound impact on our students, staff, and the broader school community."
Being named a finalist in this year’s awards is truly an honour. As a school leader, so much of our time is spent supporting students, staff, and families - so to receive written appreciation from them is incredibly touching. The recognition validates the hard work of my dedicated team and students, which is something remarkable. The nominations also gave me a rare and meaningful opportunity to pause and reflect on the impact we are making together.
Zabeeda Bibi
Al Reeyada International School, Saudi Arabia
Congratulations to Zabeeda! Read her nominations snapshots and our judges' comments below.
A snapshot of Zabeeda's nominations and our judges' comments
“I am honoured to nominate her for her exceptional contributions to education. She is an outstanding innovator who has transformed the learning experience through dynamic, student-centred initiatives.”
“She has that passion to break barriers valuing collaborations, Encouraging her colleagues to new ideas, opportunities for growth.”
“For 25 years, she has been the driving force behind transforming our school from its humble beginnings into a leading international school in the region. Her visionary leadership and relentless dedication have set a new standard in education.”
“She is an exceptional innovator spearheading cutting-edge projects that integrate technology, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world problem-solving. Her game-changing initiatives, such as project-based learning, interschool collaborations, and STEM programs, foster critical thinking and engagement. Students achieve remarkable growth, and she has improved educational outcomes.”
Judges' comments
“Great to see her innovative approach through podcasts with alumni students. What a brilliant way to bring post-18 careers to life!
"She has transformed her school with dynamic, student-centred initiatives, enhancing student engagement and real-world learning.Her monthly podcast series with alumni, provide valuable insights and foster a strong sense of community."
"She has integrated international curricula, leading to remarkable student achievements, and has revolutionised her school’s recruitment policies to bring in top global educators."
"Her leadership in extracurricular activities and innovative teaching methods has significantly improved educational outcomes.”
International School Innovator of the Year: Africa winner
Dina Okasha, St Fatima International School Al Hegaz, Egypt
"Her innovative practices — via social media and YouTube to the development of creative memorising solutions and strategic exam analysis — underscore a commitment to making quality education accessible, engaging, and effective."
I am very honoured to be selected by such a prestigious educational academy, I'm glad that my work has been recognised and appreciated, now i believe that I am on the right track and this nomination is such a huge motivation for me and it will make me put in more and more effort to help our students achieve their goals and objectives.
International School Innovator of the Year: Asia winner
Madhura Sanajaya Loku Kaluge, Lyceum International School Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
"His approach to education is both inspiring and transformative. By integrating real-world applications, interactive learning experiences, and cutting-edge discoveries into his lessons, he has redefined how students engage with science."
I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to be named a finalist for the ɫèAV Teacher Awards! This recognition means so much to me, as it reflects the passion, dedication, and hard work that goes into teaching and going an extra mile for students every day. Being acknowledged among such inspiring educators is truly humbling. I am grateful to my students, colleagues, and everyone who has supported me on this journey, your encouragement fuels my commitment to making a difference in education. No matter the final outcome, this moment is a celebration of the incredible impact teachers can have, and I’m proud to be part of such a meaningful profession. Thank you all for being part of this wonderful journey!
International School Innovator of the Year: Europe winner
Maya Chkhartishvili, St. George's Georgian-British School (BGS), Georgia
"Her unique approach to teaching is a game-changer for students learning a new language.She makes sure we can feel the grammar, not just memorise it, and it has stuck with me in a way that a lesson never would have."
Being named a finalist in this year’s awards is a meaningful affirmation that I’m on the right path. This recognition not only encourages me but also fuels my passion and determination to continue doing my work with even greater dedication to make a difference for my students.
International School Innovator of the Year: Middle East winner
Zabeeda Bibi, Al Reeyada International School, Saudi Arabia
"She is an outstanding innovator who has transformed the learning experience through dynamic, student-centered initiatives. Her alumni podcasts give current students valuable insights, guidance, and inspiration."
Being selected as a finalist for this year’s award means a great deal to our school community. It reflects the dedication, resilience, and innovation we’ve consistently demonstrated over the years. We have worked tirelessly to transform education in our community - striving not only to meet international standards but to give our students meaningful opportunities to grow, lead, and succeed in a global context.
International School Innovator of the Year: Africa finalist
Barbara Sacchini-König, Braeburn International School Arusha, Tanzania
"She an amazing teacher who gets positive value added results. She is 100% committed to our students and their success andincredibly innovative inside and outside the classroom, teaching aerial arts to many of our students!"
To be honest, I’m very surprised and genuinely touched. I really didn’t expect to receive this recognition. My colleagues tell me that I truly deserved this award, but I’m so hard on myself that I always feel like I could do better. I’m happy, of course, but above all, I’m grateful to the person who saw the passion I put into my work and who acknowledged everything I bring to the school and to my students.
International School Innovator of the Year: Africa finalist
Hebatallah Alaaeldin Al Sanhoury, St Fatima International School Al Hegaz, Egypt
"She is a driving force in teacher training, AI integration in education. She has significantly improved teacher performance, student outcomes, and overall educational quality, making a lasting impact on educators and students alike."
Being a finalist for the 2025 ɫèAV International School Teacher Awards is a tremendous honour and a matter of great pride. It is a symbol of the dedication and hard work I give to educate young minds, my desire to take risks to make a difference, and the difference I want to make in the lives of the children I teach. This acknowledgement validates the power of student-driven, passionate learning and spurs me on to continue to inspire the world with collaboration, creativity and devotion to the future of learning.
International School Innovator of the Year: Asia finalist
Shehanie Rathnayake, Lyceum International School Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
"She is a true visionary and a remarkable educator, whose innovative approaches have profoundly inspired both students and colleagues to embrace modern learning techniques.She has an ability to integrate creative methods into the curriculum."
International School Innovator of the Year: Middle East finalist
Matthew Kershaw, Yasmina British Academy, United Arab Emirates
"He is not just a teacher; he is an innovator, mentor, and leader in biology education. His unwavering commitment to students and his ability to create extraordinary learning opportunities set him apart in shaping the next generation of scientists."
I am extremely humbled to be nominated for this award, however, I have not achieved this alone. Inspiration from exceptional colleagues and educators throughout my career have contributed to this success. This nomination is a reflection of all of their hard work as much as my own. From teachers from my childhood through to those I have taught alongside as an adult, please take your portion of this commendation. You deserve it!
"He is a visionary educator whose unwavering commitment to excellence has helped shape the educational landscape of the Middle East over the past three decades. Mark's dedication to fostering holistic, inclusive, and forward-thinking learning environments has helped to transform two of the Middle East's most prestigious institutions and has also inspired countless educators and students alike."
"He is an ever present force for good in education throughout the region and beyond."
"He is an exceptional leader who fosters a culture of trust, innovation and collaboration. He leads by example, staying informed about the latest UK and international education developments and encouraging staff to take risks without fear of failure. His unwavering commitment to staff, students and parents has created a thriving, student-centred school community that continues to grow stronger under his leadership.
First and foremost, and possibly one of the key reasons for his success, Mark is a people person. He gets people, he cares about people, he is empathetic and sympathetic to human needs and is both kind and considerate. But he is fiercely principled, has a strong moral compass and is not afraid to stand out from the crowd. He is great company, but even in lighter moments it is abundantly clear to all that he is also very wise.This ‘wiseness’ has gradually gathered traction and with the gravitas he has, he has progressed through his career."
"His support for innovation in teaching and learning, his emphasis on student wellbeing, and his ability to build strong relationships across the school community have created an environment where both staff and students thrive. His legacy will undoubtedly be felt for years to come."
I am extremely humbled, proud and overwhelmed. ɫèAV is a global organisation and to be recognised for a role I am so passionate about is amazing.