We Empower Teachers

The impact of a truly empowered teacher goes far beyond what can be measured with numbers. As role models and community leaders, they have the power to create change that lasts for generations. 1 Million Teachers is the international programming partner for the development of empowered teachers, we go beyond training to also create pathways to job satisfaction and consistent income in order to achieve sustainability. 

“The single greatest effect on student achievement is not race, it is not poverty – it is the effectiveness of the teacher.”

— Harry Wong

A woman wearing a blue and green patterned dress and headscarf holding a microphone in one hand and a banner in the other. The banner displays the text '1 Million Teachers 1MT Anchor School', the Queen's University logo, and the word 'Education'. She is smiling and standing against a white curtain backdrop.

Empowered Teachers Change Lives

We know that teachers play a critical role in unlocking the potential of every child and lifting entire communities. Despite this, the shortage of motivated and trained teachers worldwide continues to grow. Without urgent action, more children won’t have access to a teacher by 2030, than there are today.

Globally, 44 million additional teachers need to be recruited to meet universal primary and secondary education in 2030 of which 1 in 3, or 15 million, are needed in sub-Saharan Africa alone - a number which has decreased by only 2 million since 2016. - UNESCO

Girls-school-life-expectancy-countries.jpg
Girls-school-life-expectancy-regions.jpeg
Global-children-not-learning.jpg
SSA-not-learning.jpg
Learning-low-income-countries.jpg
A black and white graphic showing the number 4, 'Quality Education' text, an open book icon, and a pencil icon, representing Sustainable Development Goal 4.

Obtaining a quality education is the foundation to creating sustainable development. In addition to improving quality of life, access to inclusive education can help equip locals with the tools required to develop innovative solutions to the world’s greatest problems.[…] The reasons for lack of quality education are due to lack of adequately trained teachers, poor conditions of schools and equity issues related to opportunities provided to rural children. 

United Nations

The Triple Challenge

A circular infographic with three sections illustrating how to motivate teachers. The first section, orange, shows a male and female icon with the text 'Attract new teachers.' The second section, blue, shows a computer monitor with the text 'or unqualified.' The third section, pink, shows a thumbs-up icon with the text 'Motivate to improve performance.' At the center, there is a red circle with white text that reads '1 MILLION TEACHERS.'

Achieving universal education is a complex global challenge, but our extensive research has identified three key challenges in closing the teacher gap. In many places around the world, the teaching profession isn’t respected, the pathways leading to the profession are few and the salaries are low. We address these in what we call “The Triple Challenge”.

  • Develope pathways into the profession using accessable and engaging rewards-based programs.

  • Combine universally valuable soft skill training with locally-approved curriculums to ensure strong, tangible learning outcomes for students.

  • Create passionate lifelong learners using both intrinsic and extrinisc factors such as salary and community recognition.

Source: Teacher Continuous Development, Injini: Africa’s EdTech Incubator. Download the full report here. 

Empowered Teacher

Group of diverse women and men posing for photo at a conference or event, with red and white backdrop displaying '1 Million Teachers' and '1millionteachers.com'.

What is an “Empowered Teacher”?

Closing the teachers’ gap is more than a game of numbers. In many communities, the teaching profession is not given the respect it needs and the impact of this can be seen in the lack of young people pursuing the field as well as the capability of current teachers to deliver the best possible learning outcomes for students.

  • Simplified illustration of two hands holding signs with check mark and cross symbols, indicating approval and disapproval

    Decision Making

    They’re involved in decisions such as curriculum, textbooks and goal setting.

  • Illustration of interconnected nodes with cartoon faces connected by lines, all in pink.

    Status

    Their individual expertise and the importance of the teaching profession are both recognized and respected within their community.

  • Pink line graph with a rising arrow and two star icons.

    Self-Efficacy

    Teachers have confidence in themselves and their ability to perform the job.

  • Line art of two graduates in caps and gowns, smiling.

    Autonomy

    Teachers have necessary control over their work to ensure the success of their students.

  • Icon of a globe held by two hands, with a hand extending from each side.

    Impact

    They recognize the influential role they play beyond the classroom, as community leaders.

  • Icon of two hands shaking inside a circular badge with a ribbon.

    Professional Growth

    They’re knowledgeable about their subjects and have the drive to continue learning.

My 1MT Journey

A close-up of a printed certificate and portrait of Vanessa Sesi Blackbelt HP Mentor on a table with some documents, focusing on a motivational letter about her educational journey
a testimonial quote overlay on a background of certificates and documents, with a circular portrait of Morgan Onegre at the bottom right.

One inspired and motivated teacher can impact the trajectory of numerous students' lives, instilling knowledge and fostering growth. A million such dedicated teachers collectively possess the potential to catalyze a transformative shift that resonates globally, shaping the future in profound ways.

A testimonial letter on a transparent overlay with a woman’s photo at the bottom. The letter describes her journey in education and leadership in Kenya.
A quote by Nelson Mandela about education overlaid on a background of various certificates and documents, with a small portrait photo of Dominic Boadi, an educator, at the bottom.

How It Comes To Life

 We empower teachers by blending international digital programming with community-driven implementation. Our signature offering, The Black Belt Program, is used by teachers and educational partners around the world.