Débora Garofalo, a 46-year-old educator from São Paulo, was honored as the most influential teacher in the world during the Global Teacher Prize ceremony held in Dubai by the Varkey Foundation. Initially not expected to attend, she received an unexpected invitation and discovered her award during the gala dinner when her story was shared, culminating in her recognition on stage. Garofalo emphasizes the importance of the award not only as a personal achievement but as a significant milestone for Brazilian education, particularly in public schools. Previously in 2019, she made history by being the first South American woman to reach the finals of the Global Teacher Prize for her initiative in public education, which has already garnered her numerous accolades. In her acceptance speech, she highlighted the need for enhanced internships for teachers, suggesting that such experiences are crucial for developing quality teaching in Brazilian public schools. Her win serves as an inspiration and has sparked conversations about educational reform in Brazil.

The recognition of Garofalo at such a prestigious event underscores the global attention on educators and the challenges they face. With her award, she aims to draw attention to the systemic issues within the Brazilian education system, advocating for changes that could empower teachers and improve student outcomes. Her call for more significant internship opportunities might pave the way for future policies that could better prepare new educators for the challenges in public schooling, ultimately benefiting the students they teach.