The Donetsk Regional Institute of Postgraduate Pedagogical Education held a meeting for educators titled “The DNA of Pedagogical Triumph” as part of preparations for the All-Ukrainian “Teacher of the Year – 2027” competition.
During the event, participants discussed what lies ahead for this year’s contestants. Experts from the institute explained the specific requirements of the four categories.
The most compelling argument in favor of participating was the real-life stories of winners and finalists from previous years. Those who had already gone through the competition shared their experiences:
- Viktoria Ben—a biology teacher at Lyceum No. 3 of the Pokrovsk City Council and a laureate of the first round of the “Teacher of the Year – 2022” competition in the “Biology” category;
- Olga Shcherbakova – a math and computer science teacher at Avdiivka General Education School No. 7 (Grades 1–3) of the Avdiivka City Council, winner of the regional round of the “Teacher of the Year – 2022” competition in the “Computer Science” category;
- Iryna Sitkova – methodologist at the savED International Charitable Foundation, co-author of model curricula and instructional materials, finalist in the final round of the “Teacher of the Year – 2018” competition in the “Ukrainian Language and Literature” category;
- Yevhen Davydenko – Deputy Director for Educational and Extracurricular Activities, teacher of history and the subject “Defense of Ukraine” at Mariupol General Education School No. 47, veteran, and winner of the regional round of the “Teacher of the Year – 2019” competition in the “Defense of Ukraine” category.
They shared how they took that first step, what was the most difficult part, and how the competition changed their professional paths.
Next was the “DNA Express Test,” where each participant was able to identify their own professional strengths. The “Change for the Better” segment addressed the doubts that often hold educators back before they even begin: “I lack experience,” “the technology will let me down,” “I won’t have enough time,” “will the evaluation be objective?” The organizers provided answers to each of these questions.
The event organizers would like to thank the educators who shared their stories and everyone who participated in the event. Perhaps this year, your teaching DNA will be the formula for success.
Based on materials from the Donetsk Regional Institute of Postgraduate Pedagogical Education