Cambridge Teacher Awards 2026: Indian educator wins South Asia regional title- see full list of winners

The International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment has announced Soma Mandal, an Indian science teacher, as the regional winner for South Asia in the 2026 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards. She has been recognised for her work in encouraging students to actively engage with environmental issues and take part in the fight against climate change.

She is one of nine regional winners selected this year from across the world. The awards are organised by Cambridge to recognise outstanding teachers globally. This year, more than 12,000 nominations were received from 126 countries. From these, judges first shortlisted 90 teachers, and from that list, nine have now been selected as regional winners for 2026.

Each of these nine teachers has been selected for their contribution to education in their respective regions. One of them will go on to become the overall global winner of the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards 2026, chosen through public voting.

As part of the recognition, the regional winners will receive £500 worth of books for their class, a trophy, and publicity for their school over the coming year. Their name will also appear on a “Thank you” page in new Cambridge textbooks, which will be released in November 2026.

Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards 2026: Full list of regional winners

• Abigail Agyeiwaa, Ghana
• Muhammet Aydin, Turkiye
• Corina Corpas, Colombia
• Shingang Ding, China
• Aisha Kiran, Pakistan
• Soma Mandal, India
• Joanne Newman, Saudi Arabia
• Elizabeth Seemann, USA
• Velerie Wheelervon Primus, Sekolah Kebangsaan Bingkor, Malaysia

Rod Smith, Group Managing Director of International Education at Cambridge, said, “We believe education is key to tackling the climate crisis, and so it is inspiring to see Soma exemplify that belief so strongly through her teaching. By creating safe, inspiring spaces where learners explore climate challenges and develop practical solutions, she is empowering young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to be ready for the world. That impact is exactly what this award celebrates.”

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