Delhi school teacher Soma Mandal is regional winner of Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Award 2026

Science teacher Soma Mandal from GD Goenka Public School, Delhi, has been selected as the South Asia regional winner of the 2026 cambridge dedicated teacher awards announced by Cambridge University press & assessment. She was recognised for encouraging students to actively engage with climate change issues and sustainability initiatives through classroom learning.

Soma is one of nine teachers chosen as regional winners from across the world in the annual awards programme, which honours educators for their contribution to students and communities. As part of the recognition, she will receive a trophy along with books worth £500 for her classroom. She will also be featured on a special “Thank you” page in a series of Cambridge textbooks set to release in November 2026.

With more than 10 years of teaching experience and a master’s degree in environmental science, Soma has focused on bringing climate awareness into regular classroom discussions. At GD Goenka Public School, she designed a climate-focused curriculum aimed at helping students understand environmental challenges and encouraging them to think of practical solutions.

Focus on climate awareness

Reacting to the announcement, Soma Mandal said the recognition was as much for her students as it was for her. She said their enthusiasm and commitment towards climate action continue to motivate her every day in the classroom.

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“This recognition belongs to my students, whose commitment to climate action inspires me every time I step into the classroom. This award strengthens my resolve to embed climate education throughout learning, making sustainability tangible and connected to real challenges. I believe that when we equip young minds to respond to the climate crisis, they discover they have agency and voice. My students have shown me they are ready to act… Our role is simply to create the space and support for them to do so.”

Global winner voting

The Cambridge dedicated teacher awards recognises teachers who have made a meaningful impact on students’ lives and helped prepare them for the future beyond academics. The awards allow students, parents and colleagues to nominate primary and secondary school teachers who have shown exceptional dedication towards education.

Public voting is now open for the 2026 global winner, with Soma Mandal among the nine regional finalists. Votes can be cast through the official Cambridge dedicated teacher awards website till 13:30 IST on May 13, 2026. The overall winner will be announced on June 2, 2026.

Thousands of entries worldwide

Cambridge said this year’s competition received over 12,000 nominations from 126 countries. Many nominations highlighted not only classroom teaching but also the efforts teachers make to support students emotionally and personally.

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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.”

“I congratulate all of our winners on their accomplishments, which inspire us at Cambridge, and I am sure will stand as inspiration for teachers worldwide,” he added.