We are excited to celebrate the Dugga Teacher Award 2024 winners, outstanding educators who have made an incredible impact in their schools and communities. This year’s winners exemplify the spirit of teaching excellence, combining innovation, dedication, and passion to make a difference in students’ lives.
The Dugga Teacher Award recognizes teachers who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to pedagogically responsible digitalization and inspired others through their teaching practices. With a rigorous selection process and countless worthy nominations, the task of choosing the winners was both challenging and rewarding.
We interviewed this year’s winners, and their responses resonate with a common theme: the profound joy derived from making a positive impact on students’ lives.
Meet this year’s winners:
Hilde Bevanger – Strinda Videregående skole, Norway
Tony Wärefors – Polhemsskolan, Gävle, Sweden
The Winners Speak: their journey and inspiration
Hilde Bevanger, who teaches English and Spanish at Strinda Videregående Skole in Norway, treasures the ever-changing dynamics of the classroom. “Every day is different. Always new challenges. New things to learn both for me and the students.” For Hilde, the joy of teaching lies in the mutual growth experienced with her students.
Tony Wärefors, a computer science and programming teacher at Polhemsskolan, in Gävle municipality in Sweden, finds fulfillment in creating a nurturing environment where students can thrive. “Seeing young adults grow and helping them with their education… Making school a safe place where they can learn new important things is what I cherish the most.”
What or who inspired you to become a teacher?
For Hilde, her teaching journey began unexpectedly when she stepped in as a substitute for her mother. “I had not planned to become a teacher at all, but I am happy that I took the education.” This unplanned opportunity turned into a lifelong calling.
Tony’s career transition from Ericsson to education proved life-changing. “After working at Ericsson AB, I got the opportunity to test working as a teacher and realized that it was the thing for me.”
What is your favorite feature of Dugga and why?
Hilde appreciates Dugga’s ability to streamline the assessment process. “I love that I can make many small tests that the students can use as training, seeing their results immediately.” She values the time saved through self-evaluating options and the versatility of the platform.
Tony emphasizes Dugga’s secure environment and anti-cheating features. “Dugga is easy to use, very versatile with many types of questions to choose from. The secure environment ensures fairness during exams.”
How has the use of Dugga enhanced your teaching?
Hilde highlights Dugga’s positive impact on both her teaching and her students’ learning. Weekly Spanish tests using Dugga have helped students track their progress effectively while saving her significant grading time. “The trouble with cheating is solved, and the students like the way the tests are made.”
Tony acknowledges Dugga’s role in supporting collaboration and inclusivity. “Sharing exams and assignments between colleagues is a time saver and makes us learn from each other. Making self-correcting exercises for the students helps a lot for both them and me.”
How do you see the future of learning?
Hilde sees the future as both challenging and exciting, particularly with advancements in AI. “AI is something that we need to focus more on, and I am eager to learn. Languages connect the world.”
Tony is optimistic about AI’s potential while acknowledging its complexities. “AI is in progress, and it’s exciting to follow. A secure platform for tests is crucial these days.”
Celebrating Excellence in Education
The Dugga Teacher Award winners are shining examples of how innovation, dedication, and creativity can transform education. Their inspiring stories remind us of the profound impact teachers have on students’ lives. Congratulations to Hilde, Tony, and all the extraordinary educators recognized this year. Together, we are shaping the future of education!
Stay tuned for more insights and inspiration from educators around the globe.