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Gloria Cisneros of Rural Chaco Named a Top 10 Finalist for 2026 Global Teacher Prize

The Varkey Foundation prize, partnered with UNESCO, will name its US$1 million winner at Dubai's World Governments Summit in early February.

Overview

  • Selected from about 5,000 applications representing 139 countries, Cisneros advances from last month's prefinalist list.
  • The primary school director-teacher serves 15 pupils in Taco Pozo, living on campus during weekdays after a two-hour dirt-road motorcycle commute.
  • Her initiatives brought solar power, internet access, AI-informed learning, and a “library in my home” program to the isolated community.
  • She secured scholarships for her students and roughly 35 other local learners, while obtaining donations including drinking water for the school and nearby institutions.
  • If awarded the prize, she says she would prioritize guaranteed potable water for the settlement and a student residence in Taco Pozo.