IOE alumnus shortlisted for Global Teacher Prize

A history teacher from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Danilo’s teaching practice uses history as a tool for developing critical thinking and civic responsibility. The shortlisting recognised the local and international impact made by his engaging style of teaching practice. 

Danilo’s interdisciplinary focus integrates arts and humanities to foster empathy and civic engagement, encouraging his students to develop skills in media literacy, research and public speaking. 

Danilo was also recognised for his leadership in fostering global citizenship and cross-cultural collaboration, as well as for his work on interactive exhibitions and public debates to raise awareness of the climate crisis. 

During his career, he has also trained fellow educators to address sensitive topics, such as wartime violence, earning accolades from communities across Bosnia and neighbouring Serbia. He has been the recipient of the St Sava Award and the Golden Badge of the Cultural Educational Community of Serbia. 

He is also a dedicated mentor, having guided nearly 180 students to pursue higher education abroad at top institutions. 

The Global Teacher Prize is presented annually, seeking to identify and recognise an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession. 

Danilo is the first prize finalist from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the third IOE alumnus to have been shortlisted for the prize. In 2021, Cat Davison, a teacher in south-east England, made the top 50 finalist list, and Andria Zafirakou, a teacher in north-west London, won the prize in 2018. 

With support from a Chevening Scholarship, Danilo studied the Education (History) MA under the supervision of Professor Arthur Chapman. 

Danilo says: “UCL IOE offered numerous courses that allowed me to specialise in Holocaust Education during my MA. It also provided a platform for me to exchange ideas with other students, some of whom were experienced and recognised history teachers.

He continues, “The greatest asset of my course was my collaboration with my tutor, Dr Arthur Chapman. I frequently sought his advice, not only on my thesis but also on various aspects of history education, and he was always receptive to consultations. Our discussions were deeply inspiring, and many insights from them have stayed with me.”  

Professor Chapman says, “It is very exciting to see Danilo recognised in this way. Danilo was a highly conscientious student, and he took curriculum design and pedagogy very seriously indeed, particularly in relation to questions relating to the sensitive and careful handling of challenging and controversial histories. 

“It was a great pleasure and honour to discuss these issues with an experienced teacher from a context where these issues had a very real and powerful presence. I am delighted for Danilo and wish him continuing success in his vitally important work with young people.” 

Established by the Varkey Foundation, in collaboration with UNESCO and GEMS Education, the prize aims to underscore the importance of educators in addressing global challenges and their impact on students, schools and communities. The award comes with a cash prize of $1 million. 

Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Global Teacher Prize and Chairman of the Varkey Foundation, said:  

“The Global Teacher Prize was created to spotlight the critical role of education in addressing the major challenges of our time – from combating climate change to reducing inequality and navigating technological change. I congratulate all top 50 finalists, who are joining a global community of educators leading the way to build a better future.” 

Related links 

• More about Danilo 
• Education (History) MA 
• Global Teacher Prize 
• Department of Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment

Image

Permission from Danilo Kovač.