Ghanaian teacher wins 2025 global Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Award

The International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment has named Portia Dzifa Dzilah, an English teacher at Pakro Anglican Basic School in Ghana’s Akuapim South District, the global winner of the 2025 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards.

Portia emerged as the top choice in a close contest against eight other regional winners from across the world, securing 33 percent of the public vote. This marks the first time a teacher from Ghana has claimed the prestigious global title.

The annual Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards celebrates educators who make exceptional contributions to the lives of their students and communities. Teaching in Pakro, a remote farming community facing challenges such as high student absenteeism and teenage pregnancy, Portia has shown extraordinary dedication. She was nominated for her tireless efforts, including organizing food and sanitary product drives, running a Gender Club, and advocating for girls to remain in full-time education.

A Joyous Surprise

Portia was surprised with the news during what she believed was a routine video call to accept her Sub-Saharan Africa regional award. Instead, she was informed by Rod Smith, Group Managing Director of International Education, that she had also won the global title.

Cambridge representatives, together with their local education partner NNF Esquire, visited Pakro Anglican Basic School to present her with the global award and £500 worth of books from the Cambridge-NNF Essential range. They were joined by Ms. Elizabeth Afriyie, Municipal Director of Education, and Ms. Joyce Anim, Deputy Director of Education for Akuapim South, as well as an excited community who turned out in full force to celebrate Portia’s historic win.

A Teacher's Tribute

In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Portia said:

“First and foremost, I want to thank my students—they are my greatest inspiration. Their strength, curiosity, and determination remind me every day why I teach. I believe in the potential of every child and that education can break cycles and open doors. I have dedicated my life to nurturing that belief in my students, and this recognition renews my commitment even more deeply. To every girl who has walked into my classroom when it would have been easier to stay home and to every parent who has dared to hope for more for their child, this is for you! Let us continue to build a world where education truly transforms lives. Thank you to Cambridge for giving me this platform.”

Rod Smith praised Portia’s remarkable dedication:

“Sometimes, we meet teachers whose dedication goes so far beyond the job description that it's hard to imagine how they find time for anything else. Some educators are simply born to teach—their passion is so deep, so instinctive, that it becomes a way of life. Portia's unwavering belief in the transformative power of education is both inspiring and deeply moving. She brings not only knowledge to her students, but hope, encouragement, and a vision for what their futures can be.”

Recognition and Legacy

As part of her prize, Portia will participate in a course of her choice from Cambridge’s Enrichment Professional Development programme. Her name and story will also appear on the Thank You page at the front of a range of new Cambridge textbooks, set to be released to the public in November 2025. Additionally, she will be featured in Cambridge promotional materials throughout the year.

Now in its seventh year, the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards allows students, parents, and peers to nominate outstanding primary or secondary school teachers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to education.