Choice of Ukrainians

From an early age, while teaching her five-year-old sister how to add and subtract multi-digit numbers, Lesya dreamed of connecting her future with primary education.

Since 2012, she has been working as a teacher and has already graduated three classes. Her second group was inclusive, which was a novelty at the time as the New Ukrainian School (NUS) reform had not yet begun. Despite the widespread belief that children with special educational needs (SEN) should study in specialized institutions, Lesya was adamant: that mainstream schools are key to ensuring the socialization and integration of SEN students. Thanks to her efforts, these children became full-fledged participants in the educational process, accepted by their classmates.

Lesya employs innovative methods such as kinesiology workout, game-based learning, and mental arithmetic, ensuring her students achieve outstanding results, including in competitions. Moreover, her students enthusiastically engage in creative and charitable activities, including supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The children trust her deeply. They come to her for guidance, whether they’re planning a pajama party or a visit to a classmate with SEN who is homeschooled.

Beyond her classroom, Lesya develops educational manuals and courses and trains fellow educators. Her goal is to make the learning process in primary school engaging and effective, unlocking the inner world of each child.

I strive to unlock the inner world of every child, helping them believe in themselves, guiding their development, and encouraging their curiosity about the world. My goal is to make the learning process engaging, relaxed, conscious, and effective. I want every student to handle life’s challenges, work well in a team, find their place in life, and improve the world through their actions.

I motivate all learners to be active citizens of their country and gladly support and help implement their initiatives. I work hard to ensure that children with special educational needs feel fully included in the educational process. For me, humanity, tolerance, and kindness are crucial qualities that I strive to cultivate in my students.

What inspires me the most are the eyes of my students. In their gaze, I see curiosity, hope, trust, excitement, and their childhood dreams. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be an elementary school teacher. It wasn’t just my knowledge; everyone around me saw it too. I adored children, and they loved me in return. I was passionate about learning and helping others learn. What could be a better path to teaching? I have confidently pursued this goal for 12 years, and now I can’t imagine my life without children, school, and teaching.

Yaroslav’s path to teaching was quite unexpected. In 2012, after graduating from Dnipro National University with a degree in "Biotechnical and Medical Devices," he began working as a medical equipment engineer. At that time, the idea of becoming a teacher never crossed his mind. However, everything changed when Yaroslav entered postgraduate school and conducted his first teaching practicum. It was then that he realized his true calling was to teach.

Since 2014, he has been teaching physics, and in 2016, he returned to his alma mater, Scientific and Industrial Association No. 136 in Dnipro.

Yaroslav employs innovative methods such as project-based learning, gamification, robotics, and real-world problem-solving scenarios. His students have earned prestigious STEM awards, including a gold medal at the international INOVA invention exhibition.

He actively participates in projects that benefit both the school and the community. One such initiative, "Physics Around Us," aims to make science accessible and exciting for people of all ages. He also organizes annual science fairs that bring together students, parents, and community members to celebrate and explore scientific achievements.

His superpower is the ability to view global challenges through the lens of different subjects and apply the knowledge gained to everyday life. Yaroslav dreams of seeing his students become competitive professionals and responsible citizens, prepared for the challenges of the future.

Education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it's about shaping the future. Every student is a creator, and every teacher is a leader who inspires and motivates, continuously growing and improving. My goal is to teach in a way that ensures students know, can, and want to excel when needed. My best motivation is hearing students say during lessons, 'Yes, this is easy!' Teaching, for me, means taking on the responsibility of shaping individuals capable of changing the world. I envision an education system where children are not afraid to take risks, dream big, and have mentors who help them make the world a better place.

Many people have become wealthy without becoming true entrepreneurs. They have received an education, but they haven't truly become enlightened. They dream of the future, but live in the past. Not only that, but they understand everything but remain silent. They are genuinely happy, but they don't realize it.

I am happy because I have the opportunity to create meaningful moments in the classroom every day. Teaching is a profession that gives rise to many others. I am proud to be a teacher!

Vladyslav comes from a teaching dynasty with over 400 years of history! He dreamed of becoming a teacher since childhood to improve his local rural school.

For Vladyslav, the most important thing is for children to be authentic, to ''celebrate mistakes,'' and to feel confident expressing their opinions. He teaches history through real-life experiences and contemporary contexts. His methods include place-based pedagogy, talent shows, lessons on a deserted island, naval battles, quests, memes, Reels, and even collaborations between history and physical education lessons. His students score 195+ on the NMT and submit research to the Junior Academy of Sciences.

In September 2022, he initiated the creation of the Lozova Online School. He united 100 teachers from the Lozova community to create 169 lessons in Ukrainian language, history, math, safety, and ''Defense of Ukraine,'' as well as fitness activities and psychological breaks. He organized a team of teachers to work in temporary educational centers in the Lozova region, where over 2,000 children spent their free time and caught up on missed learning.

Vladyslav also volunteers at a rehabilitation camp, working with children who were returned from forced deportation to Russia and subjected to Russification. Through games, he taught them Ukrainian history and helped dispel historical propaganda.

An active participant in professional communities, he trains his colleagues in digital tools, AI opportunities, gamification, and creative teaching approaches.

Why not study World War I through space adventures or 'Star Wars'? Why not turn the history of Kyivan Rus into a thrilling detective story, or make the topic of 'Ukrainian lands under the Austrian Empire' a tale of ninjas? Why not explore medieval society with the help of cats? This is exactly what my lessons are about: immersing students in the ‘historical crowd,’ celebrating mistakes, breaking barriers, and envisioning a new Ukrainian future. It’s about turning education into a talent show where kids talk about Ukraine, its language, and its history—where they start learning to be superstars and superheroes right in the classroom.

Today, my students and I are reclaiming the moments that define the charm of Ukrainian identity, breaking away from the labels of the past. We 'pause reality,' hunt down fake news, and tear it apart. Despite everything, I keep teaching, because when a teacher stops, it means the war is winning—it destroys the very essence of who we are. I may change, but I’ll never change what I believe in: it’s always okay to be yourself.

For the past 9 years, Vladyslav has been a history teacher at a public lyceum in the Kharkiv region. His interest in teaching began during his school years, when he created tasks and games for elementary school students. Back then, his teachers would say, “A new generation is in the making.” After graduating from a pedagogical college as a social schoolmaster, he interned in various institutions, ranging from schools and boarding houses to detention centers, police child rooms, and correctional facilities.  During his student years, he organized projects for free external independent assessment preparation for hundreds of high school graduates.

Currently, Vladyslav employs innovative teaching methods, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies. He knows how to find a unique approach for each child, which is why his students consistently win prizes in competitions and conferences and receive recognition for their creative achievements.

Outside the classroom, he develops textbooks and conducts webinars. Since the beginning of the full-scale war, he has been actively involved in social initiatives supporting children evacuated from occupied territories. In particular, he works on helping these children with social integration and the personalized recovery of lost education. He also launched specialized courses in social and humanitarian studies, allowing high school students to attend lectures by renowned scientists and researchers. Thanks to Vladyslav’s initiatives, the lyceum’s network of partners has expanded rapidly, with agreements made with universities in Toronto and Częnstochowa, offering new internship opportunities for students.

Vladyslav believes that a teacher is an emotion, intellect, and a force of nature. He takes pride in dedicating his life to education.

Children are the dynamic force propelling life forward. They embody constant movement and change, bringing new opportunities and discoveries. To connect with them, and engage their interest, we, as educators, must continually evolve. I firmly believe that every child has talents waiting to be discovered. Therefore, I focus on teaching students to express their opinions, participate in discussions, and encourage their involvement in grant projects and international programs. I believe in the success of every child, and I am filled with joy when I see genuine enthusiasm in their eyes.

I work as a teacher because I find fulfillment in watching children grow, achieve their goals, and become the best versions of themselves. Not only that, but I know that learning doesn't have to be boring, so I invite scientists and practitioners to my classes to show that historical knowledge is not far away but all around us. I strive to go beyond the school curriculum, aligning with the students' interests. Instead of criticism, I offer new solutions and implement ideas that arise from me and my students. Children are dreams just beginning to spread their wings, and my role as a teacher is to help them develop and strengthen in the face of challenges.

Oleksii chose to teach because he firmly believes that every child should enjoy every moment in class while living their childhood to the fullest. Before the full-scale invasion, he lived and worked in Donetsk Region, and now he teaches in Zhmerinka.

Oleksii incorporates edutainment and gamification techniques in his lessons, conducting role-playing classes, integrating physical education with other subjects, and using virtual reality technologies. His classes are lively, featuring game parachutes (he has personally developed over 30 modifications!), ethnic drums, water pistols, and other unconventional equipment. He even performs rap to keep the kids moving and engaged!

Beyond physical activity, Oleksii takes care of his students' mental health during the war. His exercises focus on motivation, relaxation, mutual understanding, communication, empathy, trust, and integration.

He adapted the school curriculum to the conditions of martial law by incorporating national-patriotic elements and facilitates the adaptation and socialization of internally displaced children (IDPs).

In 2019, Oleksii founded and became president of the Ukrainian Federation "Sport for Development." In 2024, he launched the project "Interesting Physical Education 2.0 – Reloaded," where he promotes modern lesson ideas and methods. Constantly learning and sharing his experience with colleagues, he has been featured in the collection of teacher stories about the war, "Live to Teach."

In my work, I use unconventional forms, technologies, and methods, always seeking innovative approaches and integrating gamification and virtual reality technology. I am inspired to conduct and involve large groups of children and educators in various events, maintaining the educational front together. From the beginning of my teaching career, I have believed that children should enjoy every moment in class and live their childhood to the fullest.

I enjoy developing and using new types of sports equipment and gaming tools. I love reading rap to children and playing ethnic drums. Sharing my experience with teachers across Ukraine and engaging in public activities, such as leading the Ukrainian Federation 'Sport for Development' and implementing projects in collaboration with international partners, is deeply fulfilling.

I believe that my unique approach, 'Engaging Physical Education,' will become a hallmark of the New Ukrainian School. My dream is to win the GLOBAL TEACHER PRIZE and show everyone that teachers are truly important.

Larysa is a chemistry, physics, and biology teacher with over 25 years of experience. Although she holds a degree in chemical engineering, her passion for teaching was evident from a young age. Her engineering background helped her develop a unique approach to teaching, one that fosters a holistic understanding of the natural sciences.

Ultimately, Larysa became a teacher, viewing it as her calling rather than just a profession. She aims to raise a generation that will improve the world. Larysa adapts her teaching methods to meet the needs of her students, creating custom courses.

Her students study both in traditional schools and as external students, as well as through the online school School To Go, a volunteer project that helps Ukrainian children abroad follow the Ukrainian curriculum. Larysa joined School To Go after the full-scale invasion began.

Among the professional achievements of the teacher is her team's victory in the International Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) Mission 18. SSEP allows participants to send mini-laboratories to the International Space Station for microgravity research via the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from NASA's center in Florida.

For this project, Larysa united students from different countries and educational formats with the support of School to Go. They are now preparing for a trip to the U.S. to witness their experiment being launched into space! Outside the classroom, Larysa is deeply involved in environmental initiatives, leading eco-clubs, writing blogs, and inspiring students to explore the world around them. Her professional motto is "Inspire first, then teach!"

I believe that education is the key to the future, and my mission is to inspire students to explore new horizons. My approach is based on innovation, fostering creativity, and personalizing learning. I strive to create an environment where everyone feels free and confident, and where ideas can thrive.

What drives me is the belief in each child's potential. I love witnessing students achieve success, experience moments of insight, and see their eyes light up with the joy of discovery. My motto is 'Learn to Teach.' I believe that continuous growth is essential for professionalism. I am motivated by the chance to impact students' lives and help them realize their potential.

Furthermore, I chose this profession because I believe that teaching is not just about passing on knowledge, but also about shaping individuals. I stay in teaching because I want to be part of my students' lives, helping them develop their worldview and achieve their goals.  I aim to nurture not only educated individuals, but also responsible citizens who aspire to make the world a better place.

From a young age, Tetiana knew she wanted to work with children. In the small village of Radychiv in Chernihiv region, where there were few entertainment options, she often organized cultural activities for the local kids — reciting poems, staging skits, and telling stories. While she dreamed of becoming a preschool educator, she eventually became a foreign language teacher and has never regretted it.

In her work with students, Tetiana believes in learning through play. Her favorite methods include role-playing, drama, brainstorming, reflection, blended learning, and flipped classrooms. She also encourages project-based activities: through the eTwinning program, her students collaborate on projects with international schools and have earned three national and three European awards. Motivated by Tetiana, her students' team won a grant to create their own educational space.

Tetiana is a true workaholic who finds inspiration in her passion, constantly learning and teaching others. During the pandemic, she quickly adapted by joining educational breakfast meetings with colleagues, mastering new online resources first at her school to make lessons engaging and effective, and then teaching these skills to others.

She understands that in times of war, children’s need for emotional stability outweighs their need for specific logical knowledge. Therefore, she dedicates each lesson to the well-being and mood of her students.

From 2020 to 2023, she worked with the British Council in Ukraine as a facilitator for English language teaching courses in the New Ukrainian School (NUS), and her colleagues now actively apply the knowledge gained.

I believe in:

The potential of every student, as each one is a unique individual capable of reaching great heights.
The power of words, as language is the key to understanding the world.
The joy of discovery: learning English should be an engaging and enjoyable process.
The importance of project-based work: participating in projects enhances students' motivation and learning through action.
The value of creativity: English is an art of communication, not just grammar and vocabulary.

What inspires and motivates me:

The success of my students
A love for the subject
Constant personal and professional growth
Gratitude from students and parents

My mission
I want every student to feel confident and comfortable using English. I want them to remember that they are more than just test scores or exam results. Furthermore, I hope they will dream big, and what seems impossible today will soon seem trivial.

I love interacting with people, traveling, learning about different cultures, and helping others. Being an English teacher allows me to combine all these passions. This profession allows me to learn and grow. For me, teaching is a calling that brings immense satisfaction. I grow and develop alongside my students, and I want them to be confident, enjoy learning, be open to new experiences, and achieve success in life. Together, we can accomplish anything!

Kateryna's mission is to prove that rural pupils are smart, driven, and full of abilities and talents. She believes that a teacher's education doesn’t end with their degree, which is why she continuously learns and conducts research. Her teaching methods have earned numerous Ukrainian and international awards.

Kateryna focuses on integrating STEM technologies into modern schooling. She’s convinced that STEM isn’t just for physics or computer science teachers — an instructor of the Ukrainian language can also make great use of a STEM lab! She actively applies a scientific approach, interdisciplinary teaching, and learning through hands-on activities — core principles of STEM. In her literature classes, students don’t just read about how the linden tree "rustles on moonlit spring nights," they brew fragrant tea from its blossoms and explore its healing properties, turning memorizing poetry into an enjoyable ritual that blends literature, botany, and medicine.

Her school is located in the Nikopol region, where the sound of artillery fire is heard daily, and distance learning has been ongoing since February 24, 2022. Among her students are those awaiting the return of loved ones from the frontlines, those whose parents are in captivity, and those who will never see their father again. Some dream of returning home, but have nowhere to go. Stabilizing her students' psychological and emotional well-being has become her primary challenge and responsibility.

Kateryna successfully combines her role as both a teacher and the head of the school, utilizing every opportunity to develop both the school and the community, even in the midst of war.

All our dreams can come true if we dare to chase them! Greetings from the resilient Nikopol region from Kateryna Korzun, a Ukrainian language and literature teacher at the Suburban Lyceum of Pokrovsk Village Council. People often say that STEM technologies are meant only for physicists and IT specialists, not for philologists. However, I challenge these stereotypes by blending mathematics with language and biology with literature. I dream of establishing a STEM hub at our school.

My involvement in this award is an opportunity to highlight rural schools. These schools are not just distant institutions; they are vibrant centers with talented teachers, determined students, and engaged, supportive parents. Although we are small and therefore quite vulnerable, we are strong and united. We have a resilient spirit and generous hearts. We continuously seek opportunities and resources, actively involve and engage, and move forward with unwavering determination towards our shared goals. We firmly believe that rural children deserve the best and are deeply convinced that rural teachers are equally important.

Olha's dream of becoming a teacher started in childhood, inspired by her first teacher—elegant, demanding, yet deeply humane and honest. From an early age, Olha set up makeshift classes to teach the neighborhood kids, and by high school, she was already preparing thematic materials. Without hesitation, she enrolled in the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics, and now, nearly 25 years later, she remains a dedicated teacher.

Olha chose to work at Secondary School No. 9 in Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, where children continued their education, despite the ongoing dangers. She firmly believes that all children deserve access to a proper and dignified education, regardless of circumstances.
For Olha, lesson preparation is like a laboratory, blending modern innovations with effective traditional methods—from artificial intelligence to origami. She takes pride in the fact that nine of her students achieved a perfect 200 on the National Multi-Subject Test (NMT) in mathematics without needing private tutors, considering it a shared success. Her graduates stay in touch with her from cities like Rome, Vienna, and Lviv.

Olha also founded the "Sovenya" summer school to help students recover from educational gaps. There, children caught up on Ukrainian language, math, and English, while also engaging in music, visual arts, and physical education. All lessons were held in a creative, non-traditional format—no desks!

With dozens of published works and professional accolades, Olha is also an expert in teacher certification for mathematics and a certified trainer.

I AM A TEACHER! The dream of becoming a teacher began in my first grade. First, I wanted to be an elementary school teacher, and then a math teacher. My ideal educator is my first teacher, whose influence has guided me throughout my career. My curiosity about exploring the depths of young minds drew me to this profession. The core principle is to ignite your passion and that of those around you, and then cultivate love for the subject in your students.

I value honesty, openness, accessibility, and trust above all. Preparing for lessons in the evening, making plans, and then starting from scratch when you arrive at school is part of what I live for, believe in, and love. Unusual questions from students inspire me to continually seek new knowledge with fervor.

I love unconventional lessons because, for my students, they are a celebration. 

I dream of creating the 'π Center,' where children can explore mathematics, physics, logic, and mental games in a modern, innovative space. Most importantly, I never stop; I always keep moving forward. I live the way I teach and teach the way I live.

When Oleksandr was applying to Anton Makarenko College, he didn't even know who he was, but there was no time to "Google" it — he was rushing to the entrance exam. Now he smiles, recalling this moment and considers teaching his dream job, feeling genuinely happy with what he does.

In Oleksandr's computer science classes, students are fully immersed in the world of technology: they program, create videos, build websites, and develop apps. Oleksandr believes that education is, above all, preparation for real life, where every skill can become a key to success.

In his lessons, he works with students on real projects that matter, making every student feel like an important part of the team. One such student project won the Grand Prix at Infomatrix 2024 in Bucharest: an AI-based product that allows users to control a computer using voice commands and gestures.

Working in a school that accommodates displaced students, Oleksandr creates an inclusive learning environment and helps newcomers adapt. He also addresses the challenges of war in class discussions, believing that genuine communication and the opportunity to express oneself are incredibly important.

In addition to teaching, Oleksandr develops digital products and professional development courses for teachers, and conducts training sessions on digitalization and AI in education, ensuring his colleagues are engaged with the latest technologies.

Every morning when I step into the classroom, I see not just students but future creators of the world. Each of them has a unique story being written right now, and I am honored to help them craft it brilliantly. My principles are simple: I believe in the power of empathy, creativity, and innovation.

I am inspired by the idea that the knowledge I impart today can shape the future. That's why I use modern technologies — ranging from artificial intelligence to gaming platforms—to make learning engaging and accessible. My motto is 'Teach others, learn yourself,' because I believe that making mistakes is part of learning, and discovering new things from others while teaching them is incredibly rewarding.

I remain in the profession because education is my way of impacting the world, helping children find their paths, develop critical thinking, and become responsible citizens. My goal is to create memorable learning experiences that last a lifetime, as every day in the classroom is a new opportunity to change someone's future.