Why Are We Awarding This Prize?
The “Mirash Ivanaj – Teacher of the Year” Award is an initiative of the Mirash & Martin Ivanaj Foundation, created to place at the center of public attention the essential role that teachers play in the quality of education and in the long-term development of Albanian society.
This award will be presented every year on 7 March, in commemoration of the Day of Teachers and Albanian Education, as an institutional moment of reflection on the importance of teaching and the responsibility it carries for the future of the country.
We are awarding this prize because we believe that education is not built solely through policies, reforms, or strategic documents, but through the people who carry it on their shoulders every day in the classroom. Teachers are the link that connects vision with reality, transforming education from abstract concepts in books into meaningful, lived experiences that benefit students throughout their lives.
The purpose of this recognition is to restore the teacher as a central figure in public discourse, acknowledging not only visible outcomes but also the continuous process of professional dedication. Through this award, the Foundation aims to recognize the often-unseen work, long-term consistency, and the real impact teachers have on the intellectual, civic, and ethical development of younger generations.
The name of the award is closely tied to the legacy of Mirash Ivanaj, one of the most significant figures in the history of Albanian education, who viewed the school as a foundational institution of a modern society. This philosophy remains relevant and inspiring today, particularly in the context of the ongoing need for quality and professional integrity in education.
The “Mirash Ivanaj – Teacher of the Year” Award does not aim merely to reward an individual, but to contribute to the creation of a culture of appreciation and respect for the teaching profession. It seeks to inspire dedicated teachers, those who sacrifice, persevere, and work with commitment, while also raising public awareness that investment in education begins with investment in people.
In this way, the Mirash & Martin Ivanaj Foundation invests not only in recognizing outstanding individuals, but also in the quality and sustainability of the education system and in the future of Albanian society. This award represents a long-term commitment to supporting education as one of the country’s fundamental pillars of social and cultural development.
