Paisley primary school teacher on shortlist for $1 million global education prize

John McGoldrick has been recognised for his work raising attainment in science and maths among pupils who struggle to engage with school.

Mr McGoldrick, who works at St Charles’ Primary School in Paisley, was chosen from more than 5,000 nominations from 139 countries.

The GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize was set up by The Varkey Foundation and is backed by unesco.

Sunny Varkey, Founder of 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.”

Now in its 10th year, the $1 million Global Teacher Prize is the largest prize of its kind.

Mr McGoldrick was the first, and still the only, member of his family to go to university and he put himself through his studies while helping his mother raise his two younger sisters.

Inspired by a History teacher who believed in his potential, he pursued a career in teaching to provide the same encouragement to others.

Mr McGoldrick was praised for his creative ways of using STEM education to deepen students’ engagement in literacy and maths.

His school said his work is re-engaging reluctant learners who previously struggled to connect with traditional teaching methods.

He has already won the STEM Nation Award for Our Lady of Peace Primary, the Primary Science Teaching Trust Teaching Award 2025, and has worked to share best practice with Education Scotland, SSERC, and other practitioners.

He said his goal is to use any prize funding to establish a not-for-profit to support local STEM projects in Scotland, addressing the financial barriers that often limit access to high-quality STEM learning.

Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, said: “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 winner will be chosen from the top 10 finalists by the Global Teacher Prize Academy and will be announced at the World Governments Summit, taking place in Dubai from February 3 to 5 2026.