A UAE-based teacher, Gina Justus, was celebrated as the MENA regional winner in the prestigious Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards for 2024. The competition, now in its sixth year, is organized by the International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment to honor teachers worldwide for their impactful roles in education.

Gina Justus, serving as the Head of English at Our Own English High School in Sharjah – Girls’ Branch, stood out among thousands of nominees from multiple countries due to her exceptional dedication to teaching, mentorship, and charitable endeavors. She has won £500 worth of books for her class, a trophy, and will participate in a regional awards ceremony. Additionally, her achievements will be recognized with publicity for herself and her school throughout the year, and her name will feature on a ‘thank you’ page in upcoming Cambridge textbooks.

The judges particularly praised Gina for her leadership within her department, including her efforts to elevate teaching standards through regular workshops. Moreover, her commitment extends beyond the classroom through her significant involvement with the NGO, Reach Worldwide, where she sponsors education for five children.

The competition saw a record-breaking 14,840 nominations this year, from 141 countries, underscoring the global appreciation and recognition of dedicated educators. Gina’s accomplishments, along with those of other regional winners, are now open to public voting until May 6, 2024, to determine the overall Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards winner, which will be announced on May 29, 2024.