An English teacher from the US has been named the winner of the inaugural Global Teacher Prize by the Varkey Foundation.

Nancie Atwell received the prestigious award at the Global Education and Skills Forum in Dubai and said that she aims to donate her $1 million (£680,000) winnings to her school, the Center for Teaching and Learning.

Ms Atwell, who beat off stiff competition from a shortlist of 50 teachers, was lauded for her work in teaching reading and writing. Her focus has been on trialling new concepts that enhance a pupil’s ability to read and write effectively and confidently.

“It is a great honor to receive the inaugural Global Teacher's Prize,” Ms Atwell said.

“Nothing in my professional life gives me more satisfaction than helping students do or understand something worthwhile.

“I started the Center for Teaching and Learning because I wanted to work with colleagues to develop new methods, and send them out into the world for the benefit of other teachers and students. I am grateful that this award will help us continue this work.”

The Center is known for having a library in every classroom and, on average, pupils who study there read around 40 books a year.

One of the reasons the prize was founded was to raise the profile of teaching around the world and highlight the importance of the profession.

"They [teachers] must be returned to their rightful position as the most respected profession in society, which is properly rewarded and celebrated," Sunny Varkey, founder of the Varkey Foundation, said last year.

"This prize is not just about money. It’s about unearthing thousands of stories of courage and inspiration.

“We want to inspire children from far-flung villages, towns and cities around the world to say ‘I want that prize!’ How many kids say they want to be a reality TV star? Let’s get them aiming to be the greatest teacher in the world."