A NORTH-EAST teacher is one of only two UK finalists in an international competition to find the world's best teacher.

Dr Richard Spencer, of Middlesbrough College, is shortlisted for a prize of $1m (£640,000) for the Varkey Gems Global Teacher Prize to find the world’s most outstanding teacher.

The winner will be announced in March.

Dr Spencer, known to his students as “Doc” is head of science at MC6, Middlesbrough College’s purpose-built sixth form, where he teaches A level biology to 70 students.

He said the world’s best teacher competition was a “fantastic way of raising the profile of teaching”.

He added: “It's fascinating to learn from teachers from other countries and to find out about different ways of engaging and enthusing students.

“I’ve been involved with Science on Stage Europe for many years but winning the award would give me the opportunity to be involved in teaching and learning initiatives globally.”

Dr Spencer studied for a PhD in molecular biology before becoming a teacher and has previously won prizes for his work as a science teacher.

Earlier this year he was named as one of the UK’s top 100 practising scientists on a list drawn up by the Science Council to celebrate its tenth anniversary.

He received an MBE for services to science communication in 2010 and over the past ten years has received numerous awards for innovative science teaching.

He is a member of three UK science committees – Science on Stage UK, Nuffield Bioethics Education Advisory Group and Commemorating Biology Working Group.

Dr Spencer involves his students in science projects, contributes to science education at conferences and festivals across Europe, and has been involved in teacher collaboration and training events involving teachers from across Europe.

Zoe Lewis, Middlesbrough College principal and chief executive, said: “We’re thrilled to have Dr Spencer on the teaching staff, he’s an inspiration.

“We wish him good luck in the competition.”

The other UK finalist is Tom Bennett, from Dagenham, east London.

The finalists are being judged on criteria including innovation in teaching, providing a role model, contributing to the public debate on education and sharing ideas with other teachers.

The two UK teachers are among 50 finalists from 26 countries, with 16 of the shortlisted teachers coming from the United States, others coming from countries including Afghanistan, China, Kenya and Germany.

The competition is being run by the Varkey GEMS Foundation, the charitable arm of the Dubai-based GEMS private school chain. The aim of the Global Teacher Prize is to raise the status of teaching, with the UK finalists chosen by a panel of experts, including former Ofsted chief Sir Mike Tomlinson.

The winner will be chosen by a panel of head-teachers, educational experts, commentators, journalists, public officials, high-tech entrepreneurs, company directors and scientists from around the world.