The Center for Teaching and Learning has operated quietly in Edgecomb for over 20 years as a “demonstration school” to teach both students and educators a unique, innovative, and joyful approach to learning.
On March 15, the impact the Center for Teaching and Learning has had on the field of education was recognized on the world stage. Founder Nancie Atwell was named winner of the Varkey GEMS Global Teacher Prize in Dubai, United Arab Emirates – the $1 million award aspires to serve as the “nobel prize,” for education.
President Bill Clinton gave the keynote speech to the world’s dignitaries that gathered for the Global Teacher Prize award ceremony. “We all know why we’re here and I’m just taking up time,” Clinton said. “The most important thing this prize has done has been to reawaken the world’s appreciation of the importance of teachers. This is important for the world.”
Sunny Varkey of the Varkey Foundation and Sheik Muhammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, leader of Dubai, took to the stage to announce the winner of the Global Teacher Prize.
As Clinton looked on, Nancie Atwell’s name was called.
“I’m honored to accept this award especially in the company of these extraordinary teachers,” Atwell said applauding the nine finalists from Afghanistan, India, Kenya, the U.K., Cambodia, Haiti, and the U.S. that stood with her on stage.
“I’ve learned and I’m still learning how to make a school a place of happiness and wisdom for my students and for myself,” Atwell said. “I love my teaching life. I hope to convey to young people, the teaching life is a privilege.”
Atwell said in previous interviews she intends to donate every penny of the Global Teacher Prize to the Center for Teaching and Learning.
