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Soma Mandal, a science teacher at GD Goenka Public School, Delhi, has been named the South Asia regional winner of the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards 2026, organised by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. She has now entered the global public voting stage, where she competes with eight other regional winners for the overall title.

Mandal was selected for her commitment to empowering students through climate change education, integrating sustainability into classroom learning and encouraging learners to become active contributors to environmental solutions. With over 10 years of teaching experience and a master’s degree in environmental science, she has developed a climate-focused curriculum that connects education with real-world environmental challenges.

The 2026 edition of the awards received over 12,000 nominations from 126 countries, highlighting the global scale of teacher recognition. A panel of judges shortlisted educators based on their impact in three key areas: preparing learners for the world, promoting climate education, and providing exceptional pastoral care and inclusion.

As a regional winner, Mandal will receive £500 worth of books, a trophy, and international recognition, including a feature on the “Thank you” page of upcoming Cambridge textbooks releasing in November 2026. Her work will also be showcased globally throughout the year.

Public global voting is now open, and will close on 13 May 2026 at 13:30 IST. The overall winner will be announced on 2 June 2026.

Mandal credited her students for the recognition, saying their enthusiasm for climate action inspires her teaching. Cambridge officials said her work reflects the award’s goal of celebrating educators who shape confident, responsible global citizens.