Guatemalan Teacher César Fetzer Paz Named Top 50 Global Teacher Prize Finalist for Innovative Utilize of AI and VR in Agricultural Education
César Guillermo Fetzer Paz, a teacher at the Escuela de Formación Agrícola (EFA) in Cobán, Guatemala, has been selected as a finalist for the Global Teacher Prize 2026, an international award recognizing exceptional educators. He is among the top 50 finalists, marking the first time a Guatemalan teacher has achieved this recognition, often referred to as the “Nobel of Education.”
Transforming Agricultural Education with Technology
Fetzer Paz is being recognized for his pioneering work in integrating technology, climate resilience, literacy, and community empowerment into agricultural education. His defining achievement is the creation of an “educational ecosystem” designed to transform agricultural training in Guatemala and provide a scalable model for other regions. He has revolutionized agro-technical education at EFA Cobán through immersive, tech-driven pedagogy.
The “Agrometaverse” and Innovative Learning Models
Central to Fetzer Paz’s approach is the “Agrometaverse,” an educational model utilizing Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted simulations, agrogaming, and digital climate tools. This immersive environment trains rural youth – 80% of whom live in poverty – to become climate-resilient agricultural innovators.
The “Agro-labs” within the Spatial metaverse have demonstrably improved student outcomes, reducing technical errors, doubling production, improving grades by up to 65%, and tripling pass rates in agricultural modules. Students under his guidance have also developed 11 prototypes of agroecological hydrogel, achieving up to 52% irrigation savings and mitigating drought impacts in vulnerable communities. This innovation earned the 2025 National Innovative Ideas Award.
Beyond the Classroom: Community Support and Global Partnerships
Fetzer Paz’s impact extends beyond the classroom. He founded the Hercilia Paz Foundation, which provides free psychological services, teacher well-being programs, legal assistance, and personal development workshops to over 1,000 teachers annually. He also created the national “Me Too…” program, offering psychological and legal support to victims of bullying and leading prevention brigades across the country.
He has fostered global citizenship through international partnerships with organizations such as the FAO, WFP, VRinAgri, Coffee360, and universities like Zamorano and EARTH. These collaborations have led to a 40% increase in university acceptance rates for his students and provided them with opportunities to virtually operate high-end agricultural machinery, building skills aligned with Agriculture 5.0.
A Lifelong Dedication to Education
Inspired by his mother’s work as a teacher in remote villages, Fetzer Paz’s commitment to education stems from a lifelong family tradition. He emphasizes the importance of developing not only academic knowledge but also critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence in his students.
The Escuela de Formación Agrícola de Cobán expressed its pride in Fetzer Paz’s nomination, stating that he is a winner in their eyes.