Principal of Protea Heights Academy in Brackenfell, Wendy Horn is on of the 50 finalists in the running to win the 2017 Global Teacher of the Year Award, according to the Western Cape department of education.
Another finalist from South Africa is Majorie Brown from Roedean School in Johannesburg.
Western Cape education MEC Debbie Schäfer praised Horn for her achievement in a statement on Wednesday.
Specialising in teaching maths and science, Horn took home the award for Teacher of the Year in the Western Cape in 2013. She received an award of excellence in teaching science from the national department the following year.
The Global Teacher of the Year Award comes with a cash prize of $1-million – around R13.5-million.
Schäfer said the achievement was a remarkable one.
“This is an extraordinary achievement. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate both teachers and especially the Western Cape’s very own Ms Horn,” she said.
Horn said in a statement that being selected as one of the tip 50 teachers was an “exciting and humbling experience”. She added that “it is also a little bit daunting, knowing that educators will now look up to you to inspire, mentor and lead them.”
“The selection also rewards the scores of learners who have passed through my classrooms and laboratories, and their hard work and dedication. It is a priviledge to be able to mould young people, preparing them to be positive and active citizens of our country,” added Horn.
The 2017 Global Teacher of the Year Award winner will be announced in March next year.
Photography Western Cape Department of Education