In order to raise the status of teaching, at the second annual Global Education and Skills Forum in March 2014, the foundation launched the Global Teacher Prize, an annual $1 million award to an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession.[33][34][35] Nominations of teachers who meet specific criteria are open to the worldwide public, and teachers can also nominate themselves.[32][36] The judging is done by the Global Teacher Prize Academy, consisting of head teachers, education experts, commentators, journalists, public officials, tech entrepreneurs, company directors, and scientists from around the world.[36][37] The first annual prize received over 5,000 nominations from 127 countries.[38][39][40]