Allen A. Thomas, a physics teacher at Tappeh Memorial High School in Nimba County, Liberia, has achieved a remarkable feat by winning the prestigious African Union Continental ‘Best Teacher Award’ for 2025. This victory marks a significant milestone for Liberia, as it is the nation’s first participation in the competition since its inception in 2019. Nominated by the Liberian Ministry of Education alongside a female colleague, Mr. Thomas emerged triumphant from a pool of ten exceptional educators, two representing each of Africa’s five regions. His journey to continental recognition began at the national level, where he was honored as ‘Liberia’s National Best Teacher’ in 2023. His dedication to education further propelled him onto the international stage as a Mandela Washington Fellow in 2024, culminating in this latest accolade. The African Union is set to formally present the award to Mr. Thomas in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, later this year.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) organized a special recognition ceremony in Monrovia to celebrate Mr. Thomas’s achievement and the pride he has brought to Liberia. Education Minister Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah recounted how Liberia’s involvement in the competition originated from her advocacy during the Africa Federation for Teaching Regulatory Authorities (AFTRA) conference in Angola in 2015. She emphasized the significance of a teacher from rural Liberia not only participating but also winning the continental award. Addressing a gathering of stakeholders, including representatives from the AU, UNESCO, the Local Education Group (LEG), and the National Teachers Association of Liberia (NTAL), Dr. Jallah praised Mr. Thomas as a visionary educator. She highlighted his initiative, the Best Teacher Initiative, which focuses on mentoring fellow teachers, building capacity in marginalized areas, and fostering a national dialogue on educational excellence.
The Minister commended the National Vetting and Nomination Committee for their diligent and transparent work in selecting educators who truly exemplify the best of Liberia’s teaching profession. This meticulous selection process ensured that the nominees, including Mr. Thomas, reflected the high standards and dedication present within the Liberian education system. Dr. Jallah’s recounting of the events leading to Liberia’s participation underscores the Ministry’s commitment to recognizing and promoting excellence within the teaching profession. The selection of a teacher from a rural area further emphasizes the Ministry’s focus on inclusivity and recognizing talent regardless of geographical location.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Thomas expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education for their nomination and acknowledged their impactful vision to uplift and professionalize teaching in Liberia. He dedicated the award to his students, his former teachers, the Center of Excellence – Teacher Education Bureau at the MOE, and particularly to teachers working in challenging conditions in rural Liberia. His dedication emphasizes the collaborative nature of educational success and acknowledges the crucial role played by educators at all levels, especially those working in underserved areas. Mr. Thomas’s words resonate with the challenges faced by many educators in rural settings and highlight the importance of recognizing their contributions.
Mr. Thomas’s dedication of the award underscores the broader impact of his achievement, extending beyond personal recognition to encompass the entire teaching profession. His words of encouragement, “Your work matters, your impact is immeasurable,” serve as a powerful testament to the dedication and resilience of teachers across Liberia, especially those in challenging environments. His acknowledgement of the Center of Excellence – Teacher Education Bureau within the MOE further highlights the importance of institutional support and capacity building in fostering educational excellence.
Mr. Thomas further extended his dedication to the West African region, emphasizing the collective nature of educational advancement. He characterized teaching as not just a profession but a calling. His words encapsulate the profound impact teachers have on shaping lives, opening doors to opportunities, and instilling hope in communities that are often overlooked. This perspective elevates the teaching profession beyond mere instruction and positions it as a crucial force for positive change, particularly in underserved communities. Mr. Thomas’s story serves as an inspiration for aspiring educators and a reminder of the transformative power of education. His journey from a rural school to the continental stage showcases the potential within every educator to make a significant difference.
