Teacher Mohd Sirhajwan Idek of Sabah is one of 50 in the running to win US$1 million (RM4.4 million) in the Global Teacher Prize.

The prize, awarded by the Varkey Foundation, is presented annually to an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession.

Mohd Sirharjwan, 29, follows in the footsteps of Yasmin Noorul Amin, 38, a chemistry teacher from SMK La Salle, Petaling Jaya, who was shortlisted for the prize last year.

Mohd Sirharjwan, a Keningau Vocational College teacher, was shortlisted from 20,000 nominations from 179 countries.

The winner would be announced in Dubai on March 19 next year.

The Prize website said most of his students were from a low socio-economic status, but his perseverance had transformed the school into a powerhouse in English language, innovation and entrepreneurship contests.

Mohd Sirharjwan elevated the profession through research and conference contributions, and helped raise funds so his students could travel and gain exposure, the website said.

He is one of five winners of the global Teacher at My Hart contest and one of three finalists in the TESOL Teacher of the Year award.