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Three more winners reflect on the moment everything clicked, and why they would urge every ICA educator to nominate a peer.
In part one, four ICA educators shared what winning at last year’s ICA Teacher Awards meant to them. In part two, we hear from three more, including an educator whose learners are his greatest inspiration, and a school leader who once watched the ceremony from the sidelines wondering what it must feel like.
Read on to get inspiration for your nomination.
Jolinda Groothedde from Holland International School, winner of Leader of the Year award
“I still remember watching the 2024 awards ceremony and thinking how wonderful it must be to receive such an award in recognition of meaningful work to enhance learning. Now that I have won it myself, I feel deeply honoured and incredibly proud.”
HOW DID IT FEEL WHEN YOU FOUND OUT YOU HAD WON?
It was overwhelming! I was absolutely delighted. I had hoped to win the award because I lead the implementation of the International Early Years Curriculum and International Primary Curriculum in our school. I am also deeply passionate about the curriculum and improving children’s learning. However, I never really expected it to happen, given the many incredible leaders around the world.
WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND ENTERING?
I would absolutely recommend entering the ICA Teacher Awards, because it is important to showcase what we are capable of and to celebrate this. The awards create a community where we learn from and with each other and get inspired by good practice worldwide. Together, this helps us take education to a higher level.
WHAT DOES BEING AN ICA EDUCATOR MEAN TO YOU?
Being an ICA educator is a deeply personal commitment to every child’s growth and potential. I strive to nurture curious, confident, and globally minded learners who believe in themselves. My greatest passion is to spark curiosity today that empowers tomorrow’s leaders and changemakers.
Jay-R Evangelista from Hope International Academy Okinawa, winner of IMYC Teacher of the Year award
“I felt surprised and incredibly thankful. It was a very humbling moment. I felt truly happy to be surrounded by educators who share the same common goal of improving learning.”
WHAT INSPIRES YOU THE MOST?
What inspires me most are the people who continue to believe in my vision as an educator. I am especially inspired by my learners, who show growth and improvement as they begin to see their full potential and take action in their own learning.
WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND ENTERING?
I would highly recommend and encourage other educators and schools to participate in the ICA Teacher Awards because I am confident that there are many wonderful teachers and curriculum practices around the world that deserve to be showcased. The awards provide an opportunity to highlight meaningful learning and to foster greater collaboration and connection in order to continuously improve learning.
WHAT DOES BEING AN ICA EDUCATOR MEAN TO YOU?
Being an ICA educator means being deeply passionate about my profession and committed to meaningful learning. To me, it means walking alongside my learners in their journey, researching, recording, and most importantly, reflecting together so that we can continuously grow and improve our learning.
Anastasia O’Hare from Shanghai United International School, winner of IPC Teacher of the Year award
“Teachers put so much energy, creativity, and care into their classrooms, and it’s really nice to see that celebrated. So, I’d definitely say go for it. You never know what might happen!”
HOW DID IT FEEL WHEN YOU FOUND OUT YOU’D WON?
It made me feel really appreciated and proud of the work happening in my classroom, and it reminded me how meaningful the work we do as teachers really is. There are so many amazing teachers out there doing incredible work in their classrooms every day, so just being included already felt really special!
WHAT MEANT THE MOST ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE?
What meant the most was knowing that a colleague had taken the time to nominate me. Teaching is often about the small moments in the classroom, so it was really special that someone had recognised the work happening there.
WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND SOMEONE MAKING A NOMINATION?
Even just reaching the finalist stage and creating the video made me stop and really reflect on my classroom and my teaching. It made me think about the experiences I create for my students, how I approach learning, and why I do things the way I do. As teachers we move so quickly from one lesson to the next, so it was really valuable to pause and think about the impact we’re having.
WHAT DOES BEING AN ICA EDUCATOR MEAN TO YOU?
Being an ICA educator for me means creating a classroom where students feel excited, curious, and inspired to learn about the world around them. I always want my classroom to be a place where students feel comfortable being curious and where they know their ideas matter. When students are excited, asking questions, and fully involved in their learning, that’s when you know something special is happening.
Seven winners giving you seven reasons to nominate
The ICA Teacher Awards 2026 are open. If any of these stories resonated with you, nominate your peer, class or school for an award to be celebrated too.