Participant of the Regional Competition "Young Person of the Year – 2025" in the Nomination "Youth Worker of the Year" Serhii Mishchenko
My journey as a teacher began in childhood. At home, I played "school," with my friends serving as my "students." Everything was serious: notebooks, homework, grades. This game reflected my dream of working in a school, being an educator, and eventually becoming an educational institution director. It was then that I developed a deep understanding of my calling, one that I have remained true to ever since
After finishing 9th grade, I enrolled in the local Agricultural Technical College. There, I was a student leader, an assistant to lecturers, and actively involved in documentation. But over time, I realized that my heart belonged to education. I aspire to work with children, to be an example, a mentor, a teacher for them.
In 2016, after the educational institution in my native Krasnohorivka was destroyed, I helped clean the school and restore the library, and by September, I began working as a librarian. In 2017, I entered Berdiansk State Pedagogical University, which I successfully graduated from in 2021.
Since 2018, I have been working as an IT teacher at Krasnohorivka Institution of I-II Grades No. 4 named after V. Chornovol. During those years, I personally set up a modern computer lab, and thanks to international partners, we received cutting-edge equipment from the USA. I actively engaged with students and colleagues: teaching, inspiring, and organizing. I involved students in school, district, and regional Olympiads, competitions, and thematic weeks. Many of my students have become winners and prize-takers. Together, we studied digital graphics and filmed educational videos. Additionally, through successful projects, I helped elderly people master digital literacy, doing so after lessons on a volunteer basis.
In 2021, I transferred to Zoryanske General Secondary Education Institution of I–III Grades of the Maryinka City Military-Civil Administration. I was appointed Deputy Director for educational and extracurricular work and an IT teacher. This was a new environment, with new students, colleagues, and parents. I immediately found common ground with everyone, and we began productive, coordinated work.
I strive to conduct lessons in a way that makes them more than just learning. They are a space for research, experiments, games, and dialogues. We create projects, work on online whiteboards, edit videos, explore virtual reality, and prepare materials for competitions. Every lesson is interactive, dynamic, and creative. I am confident that when a child is engaged, they don't just learn — they develop.
Today, we continue to learn remotely. We explore all available platforms: Genially, LearningApps, Scratch, and Quizizz. We dream of creating a school chatbot. Our lessons are engaging, informative, and profound. Children don't just learn — they participate in shaping the educational process. We work on team projects, create word clouds, write code, and launch virtual models. We study not only computer science — we develop logic, creativity, and critical thinking.
Students actively participate in various events, demonstrating their knowledge and skills. They take part in All-Ukrainian competitions such as "Safe Internet," "Young IT Experts," and "T-School of the Future." In addition, students regularly test their abilities in school, district, and regional Olympiads. Thematic weeks dedicated to STEM education, "Digital Spring," and "Literacy Week" are actively held. Students also eagerly join online quests, quizzes, and charity events, showing initiative and social responsibility.
We have numerous victories at the regional level. The best works of our students are published and receive positive feedback from the jury. We are a team that strives for more!
Since April 2024, I have been heading the Youth Council of the Maryinka community, which is a great responsibility, an expression of trust, and an opening of new horizons for me. I lead a team of like-minded individuals. We have many plans: a youth hub, a media center, mini-grants, and psychological support. Our goal is active, educated youth who are building the future.
What sets me apart from others? A deep dedication to education and a daily desire for self-improvement. I demonstrate flexibility and adaptability, instantly changing teaching strategies according to students' needs. My high level of digital literacy allows me to effectively implement new educational tools. I focus on motivating students using projects, real-life cases, coupons, and competitions, and I provide support to every student, developing their emotional intelligence, self-esteem, and responsibility. Furthermore, I sincerely believe in the power of teamwork, as I am convinced that no success is possible without coordinated effort.
Being a teacher is not a job. It is life. A mission. A calling.