On January 12, 2026, the grand opening of the regional round of the All-Ukrainian competition "Teacher of the Year – 2026" took place in a face-to-face and remote format.
The event was attended by representatives of the competition in the categories "English Language," "Civic Education," "Mathematics," and "Primary Education," as well as heads of local educational departments and teachers from educational institutions in the region—more than 300 participants in total.
Yulia Burceva, acting director of the Department of Education and Science of the Donetsk Regional State Administration, addressed the audience with a welcoming speech, noting that today's teachers are not just agents of change, they are reliability, stability, courage, and resilience in every manifestation of their pedagogical activity. Each of the contest participants is already a winner, a hero of the indomitable Donetsk region.
The Teacher of the Year contest is not just about competition; it is about the continuity of pedagogical excellence. The winners and laureates of last year's Teacher of the Year contest addressed the participants with their congratulations.
This year, 117 teachers from the Donetsk region registered to participate in the competition. These are true high-level professionals—mobile, ambitious, ready to create and implement a new Ukrainian education system, the education of the future. The Teacher of the Year competition has traditionally brought together creative teachers who are open to new knowledge and ready to share their achievements.
The festive mood of the educational community during the solemn event was enhanced by songs performed by the Donetsk Youth Palace "Yunist" and the Donetsk Regional Palace of Children's and Youth Creativity.
After the opening of the Teacher of the Year 2026 competition, the first competitive test, "Testing," began in the Donetsk region. Every success story has its beginning. We wish the participants fruitful work, professional discoveries, and sincere mutual support!