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An American teacher named Keishia Thorpe has received the 2021 Global Teacher Prize.
The prize supported by the Varkey Foundation is annually awarded to a teacher who has made an outstanding professional contribution. Along with the title, recipients receive one million US dollars.
Thorpe, who has been teaching for 17 years, was chosen from 8000 international candidates based in more than 100 countries.
Also read: 'Put your oxygen mask on first': Mental health expert urges teachers to safeguard their wellbeing
Her recent work with immigrant children saw a 40% increase in reading skills after Thorpe's curriculum redesign.
Over the years, she's assisted pupils in gaining bursaries worth millions via her non-profit organisation, U.S. Elite International Track and Field, Inc.
On receiving the award, Keishia said that she was overwhelmed by the recognition.
"I actually get choked up because I can't imagine that someone actually sees us. For so long, teachers have been underrated, we don't get a lot of credit, and we take on a lot... we are mothers, we are counsellors, we are coaches, and I don't think we get the shine that we deserve".
Watch the video above for more.
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