UNESCO IITE, in collaboration with NetDragon, is pleased to announce the launch of the third edition of the international “Teaching in the 21st Century” competition, taking place in 2025 in the English language. This global initiative continues to build on the success of its previous rounds, which attracted over 700 teachers from more than 20 countries, by offering a platform to spotlight innovative teaching practices in the digital age.
The competition is hosted through the E-Library for Teachers, a platform that supports continuous professional development and international networking for educators. In this edition, the focus is on inclusive, engaging, and forward-thinking teaching strategies that harness the power of digital tools.
Who Can Participate?
Primary and secondary school teachers, educators from TVET institutions, and professionals from public, private, and supplementary education sectors are invited to apply individually. This is an excellent opportunity for educators from diverse backgrounds to showcase their skills, exchange ideas, and connect with peers worldwide.
2025 Competition Themes
Participants are invited to submit projects under one of the following five nominations:
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Flipped Classroom Implementation
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Online Collaboration Projects
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Gamification in Education
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Inclusive Technology Practices
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Innovative Use of Social Media for Learning
Submission Formats
Entries can be submitted in any of the following formats:
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Video Presentation (showcasing project impact and classroom implementation)
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Blog Post Series (reflecting the project journey on the E-Library Forum)
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Podcast Episode / Recorded Interview (sharing insights and practical tips)
Key Dates
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Registration and Project Submission: 10 March – 25 May 2025
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Peer Evaluation Period: 30 May – 11 June 2025
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Jury Review: 16 – 25 June 2025
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Winners Announced: by 5 July 2025
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Study Trip Preparation and Travel: 6 July – 31 August 2025
E-Teach Forum Participation
All participants gain access to the E-Teach Forum—a collaborative space to exchange ideas, ask questions, and engage with educators worldwide. Active participation in forum discussions earns bonus points toward the project evaluation.
Evaluation Criteria
Projects will be assessed based on:
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Relevance to theme (25%)
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Scalability and adaptability (25%)
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Innovation (25%)
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Interactivity (15%)
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Peer evaluations (10%)
Peer Choice Award: Participants must evaluate at least 3 other projects (excluding their own or those from their country). The highest-rated project will receive the same prize as category winners.
Awards
Six winners—one from each nomination plus a Peer Choice Award—will be awarded an all-expenses-paid study tour to China in August 2025. The trip includes visits to leading universities, teacher training institutions, and model schools, with expert-led sessions on AI and educational technologies.
The tour-related expenses will be covered by the organizers.
This is your chance to showcase your creativity, contribute to global education innovation, and join a network of future-ready educators.
Register now and help shape the classroom of tomorrow!
For more details and registration, please visit the page of the contest on the E-Library platform.