Our very own Masters in Online and Distance Education graduate, Stephanie Akinwoya from Nigeria, has been nominated as one of the 50 best teachers in the world in 2023!

Stephanie studied for the MAODE while working as a Physics teacher in her native Nigeria, graduating from the MAODE in 2021. She was supported to study the MAODE as one of our Commonwealth Scholarship holders. Upon graduation Stephanie won a place as an Atlantic Fellow at London School of Economics in 2022 and became a 2022 Fellow of the prestigious Fulbright Teacher Excellence Achievement Program. She has since been awarded a PhD scholarship at The Open University and arrived in the UK just one month ago to begin her research doctorate.

Stephanie’s interest in education stemmed from watching her mother’s total dedication and passion as a Chemistry teacher – an interest that eventually resulted in Stephanie becoming a Physics teacher. Seeing her mother explain abstract concepts simply – through their connection to ordinary life – ignited a passion in Stephanie for the sciences and the teaching profession. Her teaching journey started as an undergraduate student, volunteering to teach Physics and Mathematics at rural schools that lacked teachers. Teaching in these communities made her realise how many students (especially female students) have a phobia for STEM subjects or courses. This experience strengthened her resolve to address the gender disparity in STEM and ignite a passion for the sciences in all her students.

To ignite students’ curiosity and sustain their interest in learning, Stephanie employed a student-centred approach – using bitesize explainer videos, animations, hands-on activities, edutech tools and gamification to encourage mastery of concepts. She also started her Girls-Pro-STEM initiative in 2018 to generate interest in STEM amongst girls in public secondary schools. As part of this initiative, Stephanie has partnered with international organisations to provide training, support and mentorship to over 200 girls, many of whom have gone on to represent their school in national and international competitions. Stephanie’s is the first public school to win first prize in the Agbami Chevron Innovative STEM Project Competition (for building a smart self-powered house), and over 80% of her students have gained admission to tertiary institutions. After losing one of her students to suicide in 2020, and seeing how others struggled with their mental health (which is often seen as a taboo subject), Stephanie also created a platform called “Safe Space” as part of her MAODE study which has been used by over 200 students to access help on mental health issues.

Everyone at IET is delighted to hear about Stephanie’s nomination for this Global Teacher Award and wishes her every success with her PhD!