Subash Chandar K, a mathematics and statistics teacher at Ormiston Junior College in Auckland, has been named as one of the top 10 finalists for the prestigious Global Teacher Prize, which carries a reward of more than NZ$1.7 million, Stuff has reported.
The Global Teacher Prize, a collaboration between the Varkey Foundation and UNESCO, recognises an exceptional educator who has made an outstanding contribution to the teaching profession. The award also seeks to highlight the critical role teachers play in shaping society.
Chandar K, renowned for his innovative teaching methods, uses technology to inspire his students and demonstrate the real-world applications of their NCEA learning. He runs a popular YouTube channel, InfinityPlusOne, which boasts over 55,000 followers. The channel features exam preparation sessions, calculator tutorials, and equation guidance, aimed at helping students achieve their academic goals.
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In a past interview with Stuff, Chandar K shared his passion for bridging the gap between theoretical mathematics and practical problem-solving. He explained how his students often questioned the relevance of concepts like Pythagoras and trigonometry. “The kids always ask, ‘What will I ever use Pythagoras or trigonometry for?’,” he said, pointing out how these principles are applied in fields like robotics.
Describing him as “an innovative mathematics educator whose inspiring journey from academic struggles to teaching excellence exemplifies resilience and passion,” the prize judges praised Chandar K’s use of technology and creative approaches in making mathematics accessible and engaging. They also highlighted the significantly reduced failure rates among his students.
Chandar K’s journey to this point began in 2017 when he first learned about the Global Teacher Prize. Since then, he has worked diligently towards meeting its criteria, setting each milestone as a personal goal. His hard work and dedication led to his selection from over 5,000 nominations and applications from 89 countries.
The winner of the Global Teacher Prize will be announced at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, scheduled for February 11-13.
Already a multi-award-winning educator, Chandar K was honoured with the National Excellence in Education Awards (NEiTA) top honour in 2018 for his outstanding contributions to mathematics and statistics education. He is also a semifinalist for the 2025 New Zealander of the Year Local Hero Award, having been nominated by a mysterious third party late last year.
Chandar K’s selection as a finalist for the Global Teacher Prize marks yet another milestone in a career dedicated to transforming the way mathematics is taught and learned in New Zealand.
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