© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Springfield, Massachusetts Teacher Finalist for Million-Dollar Prize

New England Public Radio/Naomi Volain
Naomi Volain, an environmental science teacher at Central High School is in the running for the Global Teacher Prize, an award of a million dollars.

A Springfield public school teacher is among ten finalists for a lucrative international award often called the Nobel Prize for teachers.

Naomi Volain has taught environmental science at Central High School for 17 years; she said she uses hands-on teaching methods, and often holds classes outside.

Her colleagues encouraged her to apply for the Global Teacher Prize, sponsored by the Dubai-based Varkey Foundation. She found out earlier this month that, out of 5,000 entries, she made the top ten.

“I was astounded, I couldn’t believe it,” said Volain. “If you’ve read the bio’s of the other nine, they’re doing things like writing books, and educating villages, and building schools.”

The winner, will be announced in March, and will receive a million dollars. If it’s her, Volain said she would donate much of it to environmental causes.

This is Volain’s last year teaching in Springfield. She is planning to move to California for family reasons.

This report was originally published by New England Public Radio.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content