A primary school teacher from Paisley has been named in the top 50 shortlist for the prestigious GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2026.
John McGoldrick, who teaches at St Charles’ Primary School, is one of just 50 teachers worldwide to make the shortlist, selected from more than 5,000 nominations and applications across 139 countries. The prize carries a top award of $1 million and is regarded as the largest teaching prize of its kind.
Now in its 10th year, the Global Teacher Prize was created to recognise exceptional teachers who have made an outstanding contribution to education and to highlight the vital role teachers play in society. Since its launch, the prize has attracted more than 100,000 nominations from around the world.
Raised in challenging socio-economic circumstances, John worked to gain the qualifications needed to attend university while helping his mother raise his two younger sisters. He was the first in his family to go to university and was inspired to become a teacher by a history teacher who believed in his potential.
Much of John’s career has been spent working in schools in former industrial towns facing long-term challenges linked to unemployment and inequality. He has focused on breaking down barriers for pupils and ensuring every child has access to the same opportunities, regardless of background.
At St Charles’ Primary School, John has developed creative ways of using STEM subjects to boost engagement in literacy and maths. His enquiry-based approach encourages pupils to explore, experiment and innovate, helping to raise attainment across the school and re-engage learners who previously struggled in more traditional classroom settings.
His work has already received national recognition. Earlier this year, John was named a winner of the Primary Science Teacher Award 2025 by the Primary Science Teaching Trust, recognising teachers who raise standards, excel in challenging circumstances and go above and beyond to deliver high-quality science education at primary level. He has also received the STEM Nation Award and has been invited to share best practice with organisations including Education Scotland and SSERC. Alongside this, he has led projects linking engineering, sustainability and climate education, while building partnerships with local and international STEM organisations.
If he goes on to win the prize, John hopes to use the funding to establish a not-for-profit organisation supporting local STEM projects in Scotland, aimed at reducing the financial barriers that can limit access to high-quality STEM learning.
Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Global Teacher Prize, GEMS Education and the Varkey Foundation, said: “Congratulations, John. The Global Teacher Prize was created with a simple mission: to shine a light on teachers like you – educators whose dedication, creativity, and compassion deserve to be celebrated and shared with the world.
Teachers shape minds, spark confidence, and open the doors through which young people create brighter futures for themselves and others. Your work extends far beyond the classroom – it touches lives and shapes the world.”
Photo: Sunny Varkey – Founder of the Varkey Foundation
Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, said: “Congratulations to this year’s top 50 finalists. UNESCO is honoured to stand alongside the Global Teacher Prize in celebrating the extraordinary commitment of teachers everywhere.
Our world is navigating profound challenges – from teacher shortages and rapid technological shifts to the urgent demands of climate action. If we are to build a just, inclusive and sustainable future, we must recognise a simple truth: we cannot rise to this moment unless we invest in teachers.”
The shortlist will now be narrowed to a final top 10, with the overall winner set to be announced at the World Governments Summit in Dubai in February 2026.
Councillor Emma Rodden, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Policy Board: “Congratulations to Mr McGoldrick, one of our depute head teachers, for being recognised in this UNESCO-backed prestigious international education award. Creative teaching methods like those Mr McGoldrick uses are hugely important to supporting pupils to engage with their learning, and help to raise attainment as part of Renfrewshire’s ambitions for all children and young people. Mr McGoldrick’s work has been hugely beneficial to his pupils and his personal ambition to open up access to high-quality STEM teaching for all will benefit many more. He’s a truly inspirational teacher and deserving of this award.”
Janie O’Neill, director of Renfrewshire Council’s Children’s Services, said: “This is an outstanding achievement for Mr McGoldrick and St Charles’ Primary School. His teaching helps pupils engage with the STEM skills which are so important for their education and will help open up doors for their futures. I’m very proud of this recognition for Mr McGoldrick and he is a fantastic example of the committed teachers which we are lucky to have working with us here in Renfrewshire.”
Photo: John McGoldrick, a primary teacher at St Charles’ Primary School in Paisley, has been named in the global top 50 shortlist for the $1 million GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2026