Pearson International School Teacher Awards 2024

The global and regional finalists and winners for the 2024 Pearson International School Teacher, Leader, and Outstanding Innovator of the Year awards were announced at the awards ceremony on 26th June 2024.

BIST Principal Stephen Priest was named International School Leader of the Year in the Pearson International Teacher Awards. A distinguished panel, including global leaders such as COBIS CEO Colin Bell, selected the award winners after carefully considering nominations from across the globe. Stephen Priest was nominated by students, staff, and parents at BIST, as well as colleagues from Black Sea Schools.

“I am honored and humbled to be nominated and obviously over the moon to have been declared the Global Winner of this prestigious award.”

Stephen Priest

Below are snapshots of his nominations and comments from the judges.

A Snapshot of Stephen’s Nominations

“He believes the whole community – students, teaching staff, non-teaching staff, and parents – need to work together. Our community has suffered through COVID and the difficulties of warfare among our neighbors. He has supported parents through bereavement, Ukrainian families within our school, and refugees who came to Georgia, as well as galvanizing efforts of other international schools to support the displaced in Ukraine.”

“An exceptional school leader known for creating an outstanding teaching and learning environment for students. He achieves this by fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and innovation.”

Pearson Judges’ Comments

Among the many nominations, this excerpt from one of his students truly stood out:

“He is a man who has provided me with a lot of inspiration, a man who has shown me how hard work and dedication can lead to leaving a positive impact on hundreds of people and a completely transformed community. It is because of him that children can gain a world-class education and pursue their dreams and passions in any part of the globe. I will be forever grateful for Mr. Priest’s involvement at this school.”