By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
Pennsauken native Dr. Jasmyn Nicole Wright was recently announced as one of 10 finalists from around the world up for the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize, an award presented to an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to their profession.
Dr. Wright, a member of Pennsauken High School’s graduating class of 2006, is a social and emotional learning innovator, empowering children and teachers worldwide through art, education, and community empowerment. Jasmyn underwent a rigorous, months-long application process, competing against thousands of exception teachers from around the world. After strenuous review by a judging academy, Wright made it through to the Top 10 shortlist.
“Being a Top 10 finalist is surreal to me. It makes me realize even more that this work is bigger than me,” explained Dr. Wright. “I’ve been a teacher for 16 years. I’ve worked in public, private, charter, and Catholic schools. I’ve taught in various states throughout the U.S. I have also been blessed and fortunate to work with schools across many countries and continents.”
All Around Pennsauken first highlighted Wright in 2017, after her “I’m Gonna Push Through” video with students in North Philadelphia went viral, gaining international notoriety with millions of views. The popularity of the video led to an appearance on The Today Show and Good Morning America; interviews by the New York Times, Huffington Post, NPR, and The Philadelphia Inquirer, among others; speaking engagements for major corporations and at international conferences; and a short online film created by GapKids shining a light on community heroes inspiring kids through confidence, focus, creativity, and kindness. Since then, the Push Through movement evolved into a non-profit dedicated to equipping educators with affirmation-centered social and emotional learning practices.
“I originally created this affirmation for my 27 kids in my classroom,” explained Wright. “I had no idea that it would grow to be something that thousands of children and adults across the globe would benefit from.”
Dr. Wright has received honors such as being a Fulbright Teacher for Global Classrooms Fellow, and awards such as Educator of the Year, Leaders Who Make a Difference, and Outstanding Georgia Citizen. Jasmyn is also a sought-after global consultant and keynote speaker. She has led TEDx Talks; panel discussions for the U.S. Department of State’s Global Teaching Dialogue; keynotes with the Delaware Department of Education; facilitated teacher training across schools and districts in the United States; supported teacher training and curriculum development in Bangladesh; coached educators in Austria; partnered with edtech organizations in London; created teacher training curriculum for educators in Liberia; and delivered keynotes for many major conferences in the United States and abroad. Jasmyn also conducts empowering, interactive author visits, reaching schools in person throughout the United States and virtually across the globe. Her book, “I’m Gonna Push Through!,” published by Simon & Schuster, extends her message to children around the world.
“This selection validates my mission in affirming children at their core. Education is more than ABCs and 123s. It is also about introducing children to a heightened sense of identity. When they become actualized in their own self-awareness, that is true life-long learning.”
The winner of the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize will be announced this month during an awards ceremony in Dubai.
