Saudi Educator Earns Global Recognition for Innovation and Inclusive Teaching

Riyadh – A Saudi primary school teacher from Jubail Industrial City has earned international recognition after being shortlisted among the top 50 candidates for the prestigious GEMS Global Teacher Prize 2026.

Saeed Salem Abdullah Al-Zahrani, who teaches at Al-Mutrafiyah Elementary School, was selected from more than 5,000 nominations submitted from 139 countries, highlighting the global reach and competitiveness of the award.

The Global Teacher Prize, now in its tenth year, celebrates educators who make an exceptional contribution to their profession and to society, placing teachers at the heart of global development.

For Al-Zahrani, standing alongside innovative teachers from around the world represents both a moment of pride and a reminder of the shared mission educators carry across cultures and borders.

He described the recognition as deeply humbling, emphasizing that the award shines a light on the collective efforts of teachers who inspire curiosity and confidence in young learners every day.

The $1 million prize, supported by the Varkey Foundation in collaboration with GEMS Education and UNESCO, aims to elevate the teaching profession and recognize its transformative impact on communities.

Al-Zahrani’s work is widely recognized within Saudi Arabia for its focus on inclusive education and student-centered learning, ensuring that children of all abilities can reach their full potential.

At Al-Mutrafiyah Elementary School, he has introduced innovative initiatives such as “The Challenge,” “Maher,” and “Steps,” which focus on improving reading, writing, and overall learning outcomes.

These programs have been adopted by Royal Commission kindergartens and praised by national education leaders, reflecting their effectiveness and scalability.

His teaching approach blends storytelling, interactive digital tools, and personalized learning strategies, creating an engaging classroom environment that supports diverse learning needs.

With a doctorate in linguistics and a master’s degree in counseling psychology, Al-Zahrani brings academic depth and emotional intelligence into his daily teaching practice.

Beyond the classroom, he has published research in peer-reviewed journals, presented his work at international forums, and trained educators across Saudi Arabia and abroad.

His contributions demonstrate how teachers can influence education systems not only through instruction, but also through research, mentorship, and leadership.

Global education leaders have highlighted that recognizing teachers like Al-Zahrani is essential at a time when the world faces challenges such as teacher shortages and rapid technological change.

Investment in teachers, they note, is a critical foundation for building inclusive, sustainable, and resilient societies worldwide.

The Global Teacher Prize provides a platform for educators to share best practices and inspire policy discussions around the future of education.

As the competition advances, the shortlist will be narrowed to 10 finalists, with the final winner to be announced at the World Governments Summit in Dubai in February 2026.

Regardless of the final outcome, Al-Zahrani’s recognition already stands as a milestone for Saudi education and a source of inspiration for teachers across the region.

His journey reflects how passion, innovation, and dedication can elevate education and create lasting impact far beyond the classroom.