Patricio Andrés Vilches Guerrero

Patricio Andrés Vilches Guerrero is a trailblazing educator from Chile, recognized globally for his dedication to rural and multigrade education. Born and raised in Guayacán, a small farming village in the Valparaíso region, Patricio overcame poverty and limited educational opportunities to become a transformative teacher and advocate for rural communities. Today, he leads the G-47 Multigrade Basic School “El Guayacán,” where he teaches children from first to sixth grade in a one-room schoolhouse while also serving as principal, inspector, coordinator of student life, and school transport provider. 

Facing profound challenges, including scarce resources, multigrade classrooms, and students with special educational needs, Patricio developed innovative methodologies such as the “Spiral Model” for multigrade learning and adapted the Colombian reading program “Yo Soy Muy Inteligente” to his rural context. He combines practical, hands-on learning with cultural and entrepreneurial projects, including goat cheese production, cosmetics lines, and environmental initiatives, connecting academic content to the realities of rural life. 

Patricio’s students have achieved remarkable outcomes: they are competent readers, excel in arts and sports, and participate in sustainability and community projects. His work has earned him numerous awards, including the Global Teacher Prize Chile 2024, recognition for school inclusion, and honors from the Presidential Delegation and Chilean Ministry of Education. He has represented Chile internationally at events such as UNESCO’s World Summit for Teachers and Harvard’s Innovation Summit, sharing his expertise in rural education. 

Beyond the classroom, Patricio advocates for rural schools, collaborates with universities, foundations, and government agencies, and leverages social media (@el_profe_solito) to raise awareness of rural education challenges. He integrates global citizenship, climate change education, and entrepreneurship into his programs, ensuring his students develop practical skills, cultural awareness, and environmental responsibility. 

Patricio plans to use the Global Teacher Prize to establish a foundation supporting rural schools, providing resources, training, and scholarships for students and teachers nationwide. His dedication, innovation, and advocacy make him a leading figure in education, demonstrating how resilience, creativity, and commitment can transform learning in underserved communities while inspiring students and educators worldwide.