The million-dollar award was established in 2014 by the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and is intended to be an equivalent of the Nobel prize for educators worldwide.
"The Global Teacher Prize will be given to an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession," the competition rules state.
Among the 50 named finalists is Latvia's Dana Narvaiša and you can read the reasons for her nomination and her contribution to the local community in the small town of Cesis here.
Mūsu direktore Dana Narvaiša ir iekļuvusi starp pasaules TOP 50 labākajiem skolotājiem. Lepojamies! #TeachersMatter pic.twitter.com/KVk54BiYpd
— Jaunā skola (@Jaunaskola) December 9, 2015
"The Global Teacher Prize was set up to recognize one exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession as well as to shine a spotlight on the important role teachers play in society. By unearthing thousands of stories of heroes that have transformed young people’s lives, the prize hopes to bring to life the exceptional work of millions of teachers all over the world," the organizers of the prize, the Varkey Foundation, state.
The winner will be announced in Dubai in March.
Listen to an exclusive interview with Dana HERE.