In classrooms all over the world, one thing is evident: the success of a child's schooling often depends on the quality of the teacher. That is why 1 Million Teachers is committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to be taught by a competent, educated, enthusiastic, and well-supported teacher. Through educators training, community, innovation, and deep compassion, 1MT is lighting a way forward, particularly for communities too often left behind.

A Global Mission Rooted in Real Change

The initiative was founded by Hakeem Subair and Rizma Butt. 1MT is devoted to the goal of ensuring that "there are enough high-quality teachers to give all children access to a proper education".

Since its inception in Canada, 1MT has evolved into a global partnership that blends technology with community, and human-centered education to empower educators across the globe. Today, the program has trained over 85,000 educators across 20+ countries, with 61% of them being women, a powerful step toward building gender equity in education. Collectively, these teachers have indirectly impacted more than 4 million students worldwide.

The Triple Challenge: What Teachers Often Face and How 1MT Helps

Teachers often face significant hurdles to their profession, including a lack of respect, unclear career paths, and limited confidence or autonomy in their roles. 1MT takes on the Triple Challenge head-on by building online courses with certificates that increase the status of teachers, their decision-making and professional development confidence, self-efficacy, and finally their impact in the classroom and beyond.

The Black Belt Program: Training with the Heart, Flexibility, and Reach

One of the most important aspects of 1MT's services is the Black Belt Program, a tiered professional development teachers training course designed to be accessible to teachers worldwide, including those places with minimal tech infrastructure.

Delivered online and self-paced, allowing teachers to learn around their other responsibilities.
The structure is arranged in ascending levels, starting from White Belt (basic skills) to colored belts, and finally Black Belt (mastery).
Gamified by badges, this approach can be both rewarding and motivating.
Created for low-tech settings to ensure that learning thrives even on weak internet connections or old equipment.

After obtaining their certificate, Black Belts don't end their training; they become mentors and take roles (on a stipend), and join an active global community of practice.

Through the Black Belt journey, educators do more than just learn; they transform into skilled leaders and changemakers.

Beyond Teachers Training: Programs That Build Resilient Communities

1MT does not stop at online courses. Their approach is layered and includes:

Mastermind Program - A peer-learning circle where educators collaborate on real-world challenges.
Anchor Schools - Model schools that embody 1MT’s approach and mentor surrounding schools
HP Mentor a Teacher Program - A mentorship program pairing experienced mentors with teachers in underserved areas to boost skills, confidence, and student outcomes, with HPMAT 6.0 as its sixth cohort.
Women and Girls Education - Initiatives like Girl Rising’s Gender Responsive Education program, equipping educators to deliver equitable, high-quality education for girls.
Educational Exchange - International practicums and collaborations, such as with Queen’s University, fostering global teacher training and cultural exchange.
GR Courses - Gender-responsive education courses, developed with Girl Rising, empowering teachers to promote gender equity and inclusive learning environments.
NABU Course - A literacy-focused program training educators as Literacy Champions to provide digital children’s books in local languages, reducing illiteracy in marginalized communities.
HH MSII SDG Challenge - A community-driven initiative empowering teachers and students to address Sustainable Development Goals through innovative projects like mobile libraries.

1MT Cares: Building Supportive Communities

1MT Cares is the heart of our community impact. It goes beyond training to provide continuing education, mentorship, and practical support for educators, especially those working in underserved communities. From access to digital resources and scholarships to peer-support networks, 1MT Cares ensures teachers have the tools and encouragement they need to thrive.

One of its flagship initiatives is the “Let There Be Teachers” Conference, taking place in Lagos on September 20th, 2025. This transformative gathering will bring together more than 60,000 educators from across Africa and beyond to learn, collaborate, and celebrate the teaching profession. More than just a conference, it is a global stage to recognize educators as changemakers and leaders shaping the future.

Learn more and register: Let There Be Teachers Conference.

Innovation in Learning: Courses That Spark Joy and Growth

1MT's initiative is more than basic teachers training. It's a route to an inclusive, joyful, and innovative pedagogy.

Artificial Intelligence for Educators Course: Helps teachers in using AI to enhance learning and improve outcomes, particularly in low-resourced areas.
The Happy Teacher philosophy course: Designed to increase well-being, resilience, and presence. An empowered teacher is one whose enthusiasm inspires their teaching.
Other Highlights: Girl Rising: Gender Responsiveness, Read-Aloud Power, as well as AI-enhanced soft skill bundles, each created to improve teaching standards and support the creation of inclusive classrooms.

Meet Co-founder Rizma Butt - A Voice of Vision & Hope

Rizma Butt, co-founder of 1 Million Teachers, brings an incredibly purpose-driven approach to the organization. With a wealth of experience in international education, she remains unwavering in her dedication to ensuring that all children, regardless of background or gender, have access to an experienced and empowered teacher. Her focus is on gender-sensitive, as well as inclusive and innovative teaching that doesn't just boost educational outcomes, but also makes teachers the agents of social change.

As Rizma often says:

"When we empower a teacher, we plant the seeds of change in a thousand futures."

She believes that by investing in the capacity of teachers, Pakistan, and the world, can unlock the potential of its youth and build a more equitable, progressive future.

Ready to Be Part of the Change?

Join thousands of educators on the journey, explore the Black Belt Program and become part of a global community of changemakers. Click here and join the Black Belt Program.

Final Thoughts

1 Million Teachers is not just a training initiative, it is a movement rooted in empathy, creativity, and faith in human potential. Whether you're an educator seeking growth, a school or community looking to change, or someone who believes in the potential of learning, you can be sure that by helping and empowering our educators, we're lighting the path for millions of children, since every empowered teacher is the seed of hope for thousands in the future.

Empowering Educators: How the 1 Million Teachers Program Is Building a Brighter Future for Children