In 2018, Andria Zafirakou won the Global Teacher Prize in recognition of the extraordinary contribution she has made to education in London as a teacher of arts and textiles
While working as a teacher of art and textiles and a member of the senior leadership team, Andria redesigned the curriculum for all courses from scratch to make it appealing to her students. Her determination to going beyond a standard school curriculum has seen Alperton Community School awarded the Institute of Education’s Professional Development Platinum Mark, an honour fewer than 10 British schools have ever achieved.
Andria, take us back to the beginning and what inspired you to pursue a career in art and design education.
“To be completely honest, I actually cannot recall the exact moment when I expressed a desire to become an art teacher. But I do remember looking around the art room during my own lessons and thinking, ‘When I am an art teacher, I would reorganise the classroom, visualising where the posters and art supplies would be placed’.
“I often gave instructions to my teachers, so I guess that was something I picked up early on. I still cannot imagine doing anything else but teaching. Simply said, it is the best profession in the world for me.”
In March 2018, you were awarded the Global Teacher Prize for making an outstanding contribution to your profession. What was the entire experience like, and how has this career-defining experience helped you move forward?
“This was such a spectacular, surreal time in my life. Even now, I am at a loss to explain how it felt. Glitzy and glamorous like the Baftas, it was unreal. Since the ceremony was hosted in Dubai, no effort was spared to make the occasion extravagant. I felt that I was speaking on behalf of all of London’s schools and representing teachers worldwide. It made me feel even more precious and protective of my career and my profession to be a part of the event, mingle with all the celebrities, and be a part of their world.
“Everyone has had teachers who have either said something or inspired them along the way and had such an impact that it changed the course of their lives. Our responsibilities as educators should be strengthened, and why not sprinkle some gold and fairy dust into the mix?
“I was delighted to get the award and represent art educators and deprived inner-city schools in a rich country such as the United Kingdom. This showed the world that, despite the wealth of cities like London, there are still issues that need to be resolved in these areas, and that the arts play a crucial part in doing so.”
Tell us about the charity you founded using the prize money awarded.
“I opted to invest the money in a cause that would have a significant impact since I felt quite uncomfortable winning such a large sum of money. My art teacher used to bring her friends, who were designers and artists themselves, to teach us when I was younger, and it had a huge influence on me because they were working and making money as artists.
“To encourage students in underprivileged parts of the UK to choose a career outside of the classroom, particularly in the arts, I made the decision to start the charity Artists in Residence.”
How do you think teaching your students about art and design helps them prepare for their future careers?
“Employers are using the phrase ‘collaboration’ more frequently than ever, and this is what we teach through the arts: persistence and communication. Failure is acceptable because it enables pupils to learn from their mistakes and move forward. Being able to discuss your work, what you are creating, and what you are communicating is a given in collaboration.
“I noticed that pupils who studied art had developed the self-assurance needed to converse, socialise, and explain what they were doing. These are the abilities that naturally emerge in the artistic atmosphere, and even in the professional setting, giants like Google look for employees who can connect with their clients.”
You take a worldly approach to your teaching, particularly in incorporating diverse languages into the classroom. Why is this so important to you?
“Teaching in multicultural settings is crucial for the curriculum as well as for the inclusion of students from different backgrounds’ cultures and civilisations in their work, which adds value to the society and encourages them to be proud of their heritage. This is what helps segregated pupils feel included and a part of the community.”
As a Greek Cypriot who was born and raised in London, has your upbringing impacted your approach to teaching?
“The answer here is community. Being brought up in a home where there is a lot of conversation and sharing of ideas, warmth and friendliness, socialising, and hospitality are the special things that are ingrained in me, and I love imparting these to my students through my teaching style.”
What do you do to keep your roots and preserve your heritage?
“Like any mother, I had to send my children to Greek school because it is a rite of passage. Knowing that my Greek Cypriot heritage and culture have taught and inspired the world makes me incredibly proud. Aside from the festivals and religious holidays that we observe and enjoy as a community, I think it is crucial to introduce your kids to your culture, upbringing, and traditions while also making sure they recognise and pass it on to the next generation.”
As a successful Greek Cypriot of the diaspora, you are an ambassador for Cyprus abroad. How has the Greek Cypriot community in the United Kingdom responded to your success? Have you been asked to talk about your achievements and to inspire people to pursue a similar professional path?
“The response has been phenomenal. Many people contacted me when I wrote my first book, Those Who Can, Teach: What It Takes To Make the Next Generation, including Greek Cypriots who could relate to and saw themselves in my book. By encouraging others and receiving their gratitude, I can continue advancing professional teaching and arts education.”
What is next on the cards for Andria Zafirakou?
“The beauty of my life is that I receive innumerable letters every day from different organisations around the world, people asking me to participate in keynotes, sit on boards, attend events, etc. It really gives me the motivation I need to keep working.
“In addition to wanting my organisation to continue flourishing and having a significant impact on the various communities throughout the United Kingdom, and if possible, in other countries as well, I am now working on a book that will be released in May 2023.
“The most crucial element, in my opinion, is accepting that my purpose in life is to serve people and do all I can to make their lives more enjoyable. Teaching not only helps me master my own craft, but it also inspires others, and this makes me happy.”
