Nadiia Kokaieva, a participant in the regional “Young Person of the Year – 2026” competition in the “Knowledge Leaders” category
Nadiia Kokaieva is a primary school and computer science teacher at the Velyka Novosilka Gymnasium. She has devoted almost 11 years to education. Originally from the village of Shakhtarske in Donetsk region, she now lives in Vinnytsia while continuing to work with children from her native community.
The full-scale war dramatically changed the educational process, but Nadiia quickly adapted to the new reality, mastered digital technologies and transformed distance learning into a space of support, development and inspiration. She actively uses interactive teaching methods, creates her own educational materials, organizes creative projects, online competitions and family activities.
The teacher pays particular attention to children affected by the war, helping them adapt, feel supported and believe in their abilities. She constantly develops her professional skills, studying modern digital tools, inclusive practices, psychosocial support and the use of artificial intelligence in education.
An important recognition of her professional achievements was her participation in the Teacher of the Year – 2026 competition, where Nadiia Kokaieva became a finalist in the “Primary Education” category.
Her story is an example of how love for children, professionalism and resilience can help an educator remain a guide to knowledge even in the most difficult circumstances — supporting a generation that will shape the future of Ukraine.