St George's Teacher Named Finalist in Pearson International School Award

On Tuesday 17 June 2025, St George's International School in Luxembourg-Hamm announced that one of its primary school teachers has been selected as a finalist in the 2025 Pearson International School Teacher of the Year Awards.

Síghle O'Doherty has been named one of three finalists in the European category of the awards. She was selected from 250 shortlisted candidates, which also included her colleague, Mary Davis.

According to global education company Pearson, its International School Teacher of the Year Awards "recognise and celebrate outstanding educators in international schools across the world".

The daughter of a teacher, Ms O'Doherty said she had always loved helping others learn, even as a child: "I saw how much care and energy my mum put into her work - it made a big impression on me. I also had some amazing teachers in primary school who made learning feel magical and that stayed with me."

She said while it was hard to choose just one thing she loved about teaching, it was the relationships that mattered most, "getting to know each child, earning their trust and supporting them on their own unique learning journey."

"There's so much I love about teaching. Every day brings something new, which keeps things exciting and meaningful," she said. "I love the energy children bring to the classroom and the creativity and problem-solving that unfold in unexpected ways. Over time, a strong sense of community develops and you really see the children grow together. The humour, the joy, the little lightbulb moments all help make it a really special place to be."

Originally from Ireland, Ms O'Doherty completed her tertiary education at the University of Limerick and worked as a teacher in Ireland, before moving to Abu Dhabi and then to Luxembourg, where she has taught at St George's for more than five years.

She first came to Luxembourg to visit friends. "I really liked the feel of the country as it's small but vibrant, with a great sense of community," she shared. "When the opportunity came up to teach here, it felt like the right next step. St George's offered the chance to work in a truly international context and that was something I found really exciting."

"One of the biggest differences compared to teaching in Ireland is the mix of cultures and languages in the classroom," she added. "It creates such a rich learning environment, where children bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences. It's amazing to see how much the children learn from each other. They naturally celebrate one another's cultures, languages and traditions, which creates such a positive classroom atmosphere."

St George's Principal Zeba Clarke said she was delighted Ms O'Doherty’s commitment and dedication were being recognised by a wider audience: "Having shadowed Ms O'Doherty, I have been privileged to see her at work, building relationships with her students and colleagues alike. She mentioned how magical learning was for her and it is clear that in her classroom, she brings that magic to our St George's students."

Vice-Principal and Headteacher of Primary Claire Nuttall, who has worked with Ms O'Doherty for more than five years, said it had been a pleasure to witness her journey: "She has gone from strength to strength, embracing a variety of roles and consistently supporting the school with dedication and enthusiasm. Síghle's unique strength lies in her vibrant personality - she creates an atmosphere of warmth and inclusion that brings out the best in everyone around her. Her laughter echoes through the corridors, lifting spirits and spreading positivity wherever she goes."

Director of Milepost 1 Lauren Hughes said Ms O'Doherty exemplified what it means to be an outstanding educator: "In the classroom, Síghle creates a warm and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported and excited to learn. Her calm, nurturing presence instils confidence in her children, encouraging them to take risks and engage deeply in their learning. She truly represents the best of teaching."

Ms O'Doherty will attend an online awards ceremony on Thursday 26 June 2025, during which the global and regional winners and runners-up for each category will be announced.

"This isn't something I ever expected," she said. "It's such a lovely bit of news and I feel really grateful. I'm lucky to be part of a team where there's so much support, creativity and collaboration every day. It definitely doesn't feel like something I've done alone; it's a reflection of the brilliant people I work with."