Meet the ICA Teacher Awards 2026 finalists  

The shortlist is in! Following an incredibly competitive judging process, we are delighted to introduce the finalists for this year’s ICA Teacher Awards 2026.  

We have received a remarkable selection of entries this year, all of which demonstrate the creativity, commitment and collaborative spirit that sit at the heart of the International Curriculum Association.  

This year’s shortlist is comprised of promising newcomers, school leaders and students who have gone above and beyond to shape the future of learning. Whether they are transforming early years classrooms, leading whole-school communities, or delivering brilliant student projects, each finalist represents the very best of our global network. 

Our 2026 finalists:  

Best Newcomer Award 

• Fiona Kristensen – North Zealand International School 

• Shiveka Singh – Nehru World School

Community Engagement Award  

• Olunsengun Adeniyi – RA International

• Nor Eny Alia Binti MD Noh – Sampoerna Academy

IEYC Teacher of the Year  

• Karuna Khadka – Sanskriti International School

• Deepti Sharma – Nehru World School

IPC Teacher of the Year  

• Jose Devercelli – Tradewinds

• Sandra Success-Olaobaju – RA International

IMYC Teacher of the Year 

• There was one clear winner for this award category who will be announced on the night!

Leader of the Year  

• Manisha Sada Lepcha – Sanskriti International School

• Richelle Geganto Merluza – Bejing New Talent

Team of the Year  

• Kindergarten team – Nehru World School

• Primary international teachers – Beijing New Talent

Student Project of the Year – New for 2026 

• From Waste to Wonder: What else could this become? – Nehru World School

• Science Project Plant Growth in Microgravity – North Zealand International School

Sarah Blackmore, Director at the International Curriculum Association, said: “For me, the ICA Teacher Awards are about recognising the people who make a real difference to learning: teachers and teams who inspire their colleagues and help students thrive. In their third year, the awards received more nominations than ever, and I was struck by the quality and variety of work happening across our community. 

“What came through so clearly in the entries was how one committed educator can make a difference well beyond their own classroom – across a school and into the wider community. Congratulations to everyone being recognised and thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a colleague. I’m looking forward to celebrating with you in Singapore.” 

This year’s finalists have passed through a rigorous three-round judging process, which assessed against criteria including impact on learners, innovation in practice, and student voice and agency. Comprised of previous winners and ICA ambassadors, our judging panels have selected finalists that represents the educational ambition that motivates and uplifts our community. All finalists will now be voted for the Most Inspiring Teacher Award by the ICA community at the International Curriculum Conference in Singapore.   

Celebrating in Singapore  

The awards ceremony will take place on 5 November, at this year’s International Curriculum Conference. This event is a highlight of the international education calendar, and for the first time ever, it will be taking place in the heart of Singapore at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel.  

This year’s theme, ‘Get to What Matters’ will turn our attention to what we hold at the centre of our curriculum: the learner. Featuring school-led workshops, learning walks and thought-provoking key-note speakers, the conference is an unmissable opportunity to connect with like-minded educators from across the globe.