Gender
Faith Dzakpasu receives huge global recognition
Ghana’s 2023 Best Teacher, Faith Aku Dzakpasu, has been named in the top 50 shortlist for the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize.
Organised by Varkey Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the award is given to an exceptional teacher making significant impact on students and the community.
She was selected from over 5,000 nominations and applications from 89 countries across the world.
Now in its ninth year, the one million dollars Global Teacher Prize is the largest prize of its kind.
She made the mark following an incredible teaching philosophy which focuses on innovative and inclusive strategies tailored to meet the diverse needs of students.
She also employs research-based methods like Layering Text, Cross Text Analysis and tools such as ChatGPT to simplify complex concepts.
Speaking to The Spectator in Accra on Monday, she explained that her classroom fosters creativity, active participation and hands-on learning, integrating digital tools like Canva and 3D modelling software.
“I have also established centres for supporting students with learning disabilities and offers creative modules to help all learners succeed, regardless of their challenges,” she stated.
“Being selected for this award is a remarkable milestone in my teaching journey as I look forward to impacting on children and society at large,” she stated.
She encouraged teachers to be committed to their duty and go the extra mile to impact knowledge into children.
“We must continue to find new way to make teaching and learning more flexible and understandable,” she stressed.
“Visually engaging classroom designs and inclusive methods would consistently boost attendance, confidence and academic performance,” she explained.
On her own, Mrs Dzakpasu founded the Street School Project, bringing education to street children and the Creative Aid Agenda, which has trained over 4,200 individuals in entrepreneurial skills like biodegradable paper bag crafting.
She also established the Mother of Many Missions orphanage project, supporting orphans with essentials and education. Her “Reinventing Behind Bars” initiative empowers incarcerated women with self-care and reintegration tools.
Ms Dzakpasu, is a teacher at Doblo Gonno Methodist Basic School in the Ga West Municipal Assembly in the Greater Accra Region.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu