The “ ” Transformative Educator Award announced the winners of the national round on Wednesday (6) during Bett Brasil 2026. The initiative, organized by Bett Brasil, Sebrae, and Instituto Significare, recognized innovative educational practices across the country. In this third edition, the award saw record-breaking participation, with 5,560 entries from participants in 27 states.

“If we want to bring about real, consistent innovation, we also need to show educators new possibilities, new paths. With this award, we’re opening up a kind of gateway so they can understand that innovation in education can go beyond the walls of schools and classrooms. It’s not just about what you’ve done, but what you’re doing and will continue to do for education,” says Wellington Cruz, president of the Significare Institute.

Sebrae President Rodrigo Soares, who participated in the event via video , highlighted the role of educators and administrators. “Transforming education is a collective effort that begins with leaders capable of listening, planning, and mobilizing teachers, students, and communities. Recognized administrators turn management into a tool for social transformation, strengthening municipal education and communities, and contributing to the development of our regions and our country,” he said.

The awards program received submissions of educational projects aligned with three main categories based on Design Thinking: Pedagogical Innovation and Active Methodologies, a category exclusively for teachers; Transformative Educational Management, aimed at educational administrators; and Inclusion and Sustainability in Education, which encompasses both teachers and administrators.

All participants advanced through the state-level round, and the top finishers from each state took part in the national competition during this year's Bett Brasil.

“More than just recognizing best practices, the Transformative Educator Award values the ideas and perspectives of those who face the challenges of education on a daily basis. Our goal is to drive concrete change and inspire teachers and administrators to build a more innovative and inclusive future,” says Adriana Martinelli, director of content at Bett Brasil.

Daniel Munduruku, author and speaker, was also present at the ceremony, sharing a bit about his journey and reflecting on the importance of school in his life. “It is a joy and a privilege to participate in this edition of Bett Brasil, offering words of encouragement and inspiration to the educators who work so hard to transform our country. Teachers need to see themselves as flowing rivers—water that is fluid and self-renewing,” the author emphasizes.

"Teachers need to see themselves as flowing rivers, waters that are fluid and renew themselves," said Daniel Munduruku. Photo: Bett Brasil. 

Winners

All candidates who placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the National Round received a certificate of participation, a digital badge, a trophy, as well as a laptop and a backpack. Participants who placed 2nd won a package to participate in a national mission for an entrepreneurial education event to be determined.

The winners of the National Round in each category received a complete package to attend Bett UK 2027 in London, as well as an online MBA in Entrepreneurial Education.See below for the winners in each category:

Workshop on Pedagogical Innovation and Active Learning Methods

1st place

The “Educational AI Lab + Avança Belo Monte Program” project, developed by Professor Maxwell Melo da Silva in Belo Monte (AL), integrates artificial intelligence and off-grid computing to combat the digital divide and learning gaps. “Our project is cutting-edge, bringing technology and artificial intelligence to education. Bringing this project to our city, in the hinterlands of Alagoas, is a source of great pride,” said Silva upon receiving the award.

Maxwell Silva has integrated new technologies and artificial intelligence into the world of education. Photo: Bett Brasil.

2nd place

Conceived by Professor Elisângela Bezerra das Neves Holanda (RN), the project “Between the Dunes and the Sea: Planning and Implementing Tourist Itineraries Using Google Earth” uses georeferenced mapping to combat the invisibility of the Mãe Luíza community, transforming perceptions of the territory and generating local income.

3rd place

Professor Felipe Salvador Weissheimer’s (SC) project is based on the implementation of a climate and environmental monitoring station that uses low-cost technologies, such as microcontrollers and sensors, to promote scientific research applied to the region.

Conference on Inclusion and Sustainability in Education

1st place

Led by teacher Thaini Maiara Pereira Alves at RDS Tupé (AM), the “Drought Observatory” project establishes the school as a permanent hub for territorial intelligence focused on climate monitoring. “It’s a kind of recognition that keeps us moving forward like a river. The students discover that they have other possibilities for the future,” said the winner.

Thaini Alves (AM) developed the “Drought Observatory” project, which focuses on climate monitoring. Photo: Bett Brasil.

2nd place

The “Feira da Grosslanca Solidária” project, led by educator Laila Larissa Teles Sousa Alves (PE), addresses school dropout rates caused by socioeconomic inequality through a social currency called “Gross, ” which aims to empower young people and place students in leadership roles.

3rd place

The “SIRE – School Reuse System” project, developed by educator Daniele Andressa Bassanesi (MS), establishes a collaborative digital ecosystem for managing and sharing materials among schools through a mobile app.

Workshop on Transformative Educational Management

1st place

João Carlos Carneiro’s (SP) project focuses on a structured decision-making method that integrates process automation, pedagogical reorganization, and reinvestment in infrastructure. “This award isn’t just about a project or a school; it’s about all the administrators who know where they’re going,” said the award winner.

João Carneiro: “This award is for all managers who know where they’re going.” Photo: Bett Brasil.

2nd place

Conceived by educational administrator Gemerson Farias Roque da Costa (PB), “My Day as a Manager” revamps the training of young leaders to serve as partners in public administration.

3rd place

The “Integrated School Experience Center (CEEI)” project, conceived by Rosinalva Neres Rocha (MG), establishes an institutional policy of active listening and pedagogical mediation, using tools such as podcasts and school radio.

Regional Highlight

In addition to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-place winners in each session, educators who demonstrated the greatest commitment, collaboration, and active participation in the discussions held throughout the session were recognized as “Regional Standouts” in the 3rd edition of the awards. Representing the country’s five regions, the standouts are:

• Northeast Region: Antonio Idilvan de Lima Alencar (CE);
• Northern Region: Ezequias Souza Queiroz (RR);
• Southern Region: André Luís Tanski Azeredo (RS);
• Southeast Region: Maria de Fatima do Nascimento Alfredo (RJ);
• Midwest Region: Vinícius de Oliveira Mota (Federal District).

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