A Springfield public school teacher is among ten finalists for a lucrative international award often called the Nobel Prize for teachers.
Naomi Volain has taught environmental science at Central High School for 17 years; she said she uses hands-on teaching methods, and often holds classes outside.
Her colleagues encouraged her to apply for the Global Teacher Prize, sponsored by the Dubai-based Varkey Foundation. She found out earlier this month that, out of 5,000 entries, she made the top ten.
“I was astounded, I couldn’t believe it,” said Volain. “If you’ve read the bio’s of the other nine, they’re doing things like writing books, and educating villages, and building schools.”
The winner, will be announced in March, and will receive a million dollars. If it’s her, Volain said she would donate much of it to environmental causes.
This is Volain’s last year teaching in Springfield. She is planning to move to California for family reasons.
This report was originally published by New England Public Radio.
