THE BEST TEACHERS OF 2025 WERE AWARDED IN KIEV ACCORDING TO THE GLOBAL TEACHER PRIZE UKRAINE
October 4, 2025, Kyiv – Since 2017, the national award Global Teacher Prize Ukraine has been searching for and introducing the country to teachers who are changing education. This year, the organizer of the award, the public association "Osvitoria" received a record number of applications and nominations: about 3,000. And thanks to partners, the Award recognized teachers in a record nine special nominations:
- "Choice of Ukrainians"
- "Preschool"
- "Mathematics Teacher"
- "Chemistry Teacher"
- "Choice with the Heart"
- "Informatics Teacher"
- "Teacher-Innovator"
- Special award from Uklon
- Special awards from KSE Foundation
The Global Teacher Prize Ukraine 2025 award ceremony took place in the grand hall of the National Philharmonic of Ukraine.
"This year, we received a record number of nominations - 2,300! This is the most in all nine years. We were joined by more than 50 incredible partners - organizations, publications and responsible businesses that believed in Ukrainian teachers and supported them. And for the first time, in addition to the main winner, we have 9 additional awards. This means that even more talented teachers will have opportunities to develop and implement their ideas. But our main pride is the teaching community, which has grown again,” said Zoya Lytvyn, head of Osvitoria and founder of the Global Teacher Prize Ukraine.
The main winner – the best teacher in the country according to the Global Teacher Prize Ukraine 2025 – was announced, as always, spectacularly. A Ukrzaliznytsia train with the teacher’s name arrived from his hometown of Kharkiv to the Central Railway Station in Kyiv. He was Ruslan Shalamov. The teacher received one million hryvnias to make his own educational dream come true.
“To be successful, you need to have reliable support: I have it – it’s my family, wherever we are, we are always together. To be successful, you need to have support: I am honored and grateful for the support of the Kharkiv Scientific Lyceum “Obdarovannyst”. To be successful, you need to realize who you work for, and I am grateful to my graduates who have gone into life and are now saving or researching this life. I am grateful to my current students, and especially to that small group of boys and girls whom I can call my class for the first time in my life. To be successful, you need to sometimes allow yourself to love: in this hall there are people who once took my hands and brought me here. To be successful, you need to have an environment, and our environment is protected today by defenders - and to them I am most grateful!. Glory to the defenders of Ukraine, Glory to Ukraine!” said the winner from the stage after a wild ovation from the audience and hugs from colleagues.
The transparency of the process of selecting the winner of the Global Teacher Prize Ukraine is ensured by PwC in Ukraine - an independent consultant who accompanies the selection of the winner.
Nomination "Choice of Ukrainians"
This award is designed to attract a wide audience to get acquainted with progressive teaching. The winner was chosen for the second time in a row by the whole country from among dozens of finalists on the platform Action.Education. This year, 2263 votes were cast for the national teacher. In total, more than 10 thousand people took part in the survey.
The "Choice of Ukrainians" in 2025 was Yuriy Pakhomov, a chemistry teacher from Ivano-Frankivsk. His lessons turn science into action - from AR experiments to projects that raise hundreds of thousands of hryvnias for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The winner was awarded by the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska: "Yuriy Pakhomov is sure: if a teacher was able to answer a child's question in a lesson that does not even relate to the subject, this lesson was not in vain. Because the teacher helped the child. And his task is to help." Olena Zelenska also congratulated all teachers on International Teachers' Day.
“Education is the foundation of human capital development and the future of Ukraine. Every day, Ukrainian teachers form a generation that will create technologies and move the country forward. We are proud that for the second year in a row, Ukrainians can choose a “people's teacher” within the Global Teacher Prize Ukraine on the Diya.Osvita platform. Today, almost 3 million Ukrainians are registered on the platform, and more than 600 educational products are available. For In recent years, the level of digital literacy of Ukrainians has increased by 12.6%. This year, we will conduct a new study, where for the first time we will also assess the level of AI skills. These figures prove that education has become our common value,” emphasized Valeria Ionan, Advisor to the First Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine on Innovation, Digitalization and Global Partnerships.
Yuriy Pakhomov received the award - an educational journey. “Teachers are important, these are not just words, because we set the tone for the life that reigns around us. Thank you for remembering my grandmother, she was the person who inspired me to pursue a teaching career. Together we are creating the future,” says the winner.
Nomination “Preschool”
For the third time since 2017, the Global Teacher Prize Ukraine, together with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and UNICEF in Ukraine, recognized preschool teachers.
The winner was Khrystyna Mykulyak, a teacher from Ivano-Frankivsk, who combines a neuropsychological approach, sensory-motor games and learning through experience, implements sensory integration practices and applies the Montessori methodology.
The winner was awarded by the Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Oksen Lisovyi and the Head of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Representative Office in Ukraine Munir Mamedzadeh.
“Today, more than ever, we see how early development is the foundation for a country. It is the preschool teacher who helps a child take their first steps into the world. You continue to teach, educate and support even when it is difficult for you yourself. You are an example for the whole country,” said the Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Oksen Lisovyi.
“Preschool education is one of the key foundations of Ukraine's recovery. UNICEF has the honor to support the “Preschool” nomination for the third time. Educators do much more than just teach children their first steps. instill values in children, strengthen their confidence and form skills that will stay with them for life,” said Munir Mamedzadeh, Head of UNICEF Ukraine.
“On behalf of UNICEF, I would like to thank every teacher for the professionalism, dedication and love with which you raise children,” added Mamedzadeh.
Khrystyna Mykulyak will receive UAH 500,000 to make her educational dream come true.
“First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the Armed Forces of Ukraine: you hold the Ukrainian sky so that we can hold the hand of the most precious thing - childhood. Preschool is not just the first step in education, it is an important and strong foundation from which a child’s personality is formed and a strong nation grows. If we preserve childhood in such a difficult time, we will preserve the future,” Ms. Khrystyna shared her emotions during the award ceremony.
Nomination "Mathematics Teacher"
The nomination partner is the IT company SoftServe.
The winner is Lesya Maksimko, a teacher of algebra, geometry and computer science from the village of Bytkiv, Ivano-Frankivsk region. She combines algebra and geometry with real-life problems, gamification, webquests and storytelling, and adapts tasks for children with special educational needs.
The teacher will receive 500,000 hryvnias to realize her educational dream thanks to her partner, the IT company SoftServe.
"At SoftServe, we value openness to new things, the desire to find better ways and the desire to do more than is expected. This is what inspires us in the teachers from whom we chose this year's winner: each and every one of them is already changing the approach to teaching in their schools and communities. This year’s winner is confirmation that a mathematics teacher is a guide to the world of logic and innovation. That is why we consider it important to support such leaders of change,” said Taras Kytsmey, co-founder and member of the Board of Directors of SoftServe.
“When I am asked: “Why do you work as a teacher?” I always smile and answer simply: each child is a small light. And my task is to help it light up. For me, a child is a pixel in the digital world, a point in mathematics from which all other figures begin. This is a smile, support, a small victory and wings that gradually spread,” — Lesya Maksimko, winner of the “Mathematics Teacher” nomination.
“Chemistry Teacher” nomination
The nomination partner is the pharmaceutical company Biopharma. This award is for teachers who open the amazing world of natural sciences to the younger generation and ignite children’s desire for discovery.
The winner was Yevheniy Atamasenko, a chemistry teacher from the village of Kalynivka, Kyiv region. He will receive half a million hryvnias for his educational dream.
“For our company Biopharma Plasma, it is extremely important to support education, science and those who ignite an interest in knowledge in the younger generation every day. That is why we decided to support the nomination for chemistry teachers — after all, chemistry is the foundation of pharmacy and medicine, and therefore the lives that we save together every day,” said CEO and owner of the company Kostyantyn Yefymenko.
“A person who chooses the profession of a teacher chooses it with his soul and an open heart. It is such a person who should enter the classroom where the future of the state sits. I am sure that in the future the furniture in the classroom, textbooks, and technologies may change. But nothing will ever replace a teacher, because teachers are important,” — Yevhen Atamasenko, winner of the “Chemistry Teacher” nomination.
“Choice with the Heart” nomination
A traditional award from Natalia Moseychuk, TSN host, interviewer, and permanent curator of the award.
The nomination recognizes teachers with special stories. “Choosing with the Heart” is not about a subject or methods, but about people who choose to be there every day and change the lives of others — quietly, constantly, with dignity.
This year, the winner was Maksym Romanov, a geography teacher from the Kharkiv region.
The winner was awarded by Natalia Moseychuk: “My nomination is difficult because you will never choose a teacher in it based on personal data alone. You have to know the teacher or his work, rely on the admiration for him from students, parents and colleagues, which they broadcast. And another criterion that dictates modernity is technologicality. A teacher must be very technological in order to lead a child into the future world. And that's why the teacher, who was three times included in the TOP-50 of the Global Teacher Prize Ukraine, wrote a textbook even without electricity so that children would receive it by September 1, and now 32 thousand students across the country study this textbook, who works to improve the skills of colleagues, is a trainer at the National School of Ukraine, teaches in an underground school and a shelter, and in a hospital for little "superheroes" - this teacher is my choice with all my heart!
"I want to thank the people who defend our state: thanks to them we are here. And of course, these are the children we reveal: they are the future of our state. We must thank them, because we are not teaching them, they are teaching us," says the winner.
Nomination "Informatics Teacher"
The partner of the nomination is Sense Bank, which supports computer science teachers as leaders of digital transformation in schools.
The winner was Natalia Perekhrist, a computer science and English teacher from Ternopil. In her lessons, she combines programming, English and environmental topics, adapting tasks for children with special needs and developing an environment of cooperation with parents and colleagues.
“Computer science now teaches not only to create programs or know the principles of how technology works. This discipline develops the ability to navigate the modern world and create new opportunities. Teachers who open this path for children deserve special recognition. Therefore, it is a great honor for Sense Bank to support the award for the best among them,” — Inna Tyutiun, Member of the Board, Director of IT, Retail and Payment Business, and Digitalization of Sense Bank.
“A teacher is not just a profession. It is the ability to see the world through the eyes of a child, to support, inspire and lead forward even when it seems that the path is unattainable. I dream that in every school all children can feel their worth. Where there are no “too weak” or “too strong” - there are those who need support and a helping hand,” says the winner of the “Informatics Teacher” nomination.
“Teacher-innovator” nomination
The nomination partners are the Swiss-Ukrainian EGAP program, implemented by the Eastern Europe Foundation, and the state digital educational ecosystem “Mriya”.
The winner is Volodymyr Babenko, an informatics teacher from the village of Shcherbanivka, Poltava region. He has about 10 years of experience, teaches in grades 5, 9–11, implements project-based learning, an integrated STEAM approach and gamification.
“It is important that innovations in education are born not only in high-class offices, but also in classrooms. After all, it is teachers who turn modern ideas into real changes for children. This has always been a priority for the EGAP program and the Foundation. And the example of Volodymyr Babenko proves once again: the teacher is the main creator of a new educational culture. We are glad that we can, together with our partners, support the realization of his educational dream,” emphasized Viktor Lyakh, President of the Eastern Europe Foundation.
“I believe: those who really want change are looking for opportunities. But remember, sometimes it costs a full night’s sleep, but it gives a full sense of meaning. Don’t be afraid to act. Because it is actions that turn dreams into reality,” — Volodymyr Babenko, winner of the “Teacher-Innovator” nomination. Special award from Uklon
For the second year in a row, the Global Teacher Prize Ukraine, together with Uklon, recognizes teachers in the “Inclusivity” category – for educators who work with children with special educational needs every day and prove that barriers can be overcome – with support, patience and faith in each child.
The winner was Olga Bilanova, a teacher of Ukrainian Sign Language, Fundamentals of Law, History of Ukraine and World History from Kryvyi Rih. As a deaf person, she understands the needs of children with hearing impairments well and has dedicated herself to their education.
Olga has created model programs and manuals in Ukrainian Sign Language, implements modern methods to make education accessible and interesting, and supports the community of people with hearing impairments as the head of the Kryvyi Rih organization UTOG.
Special awards from the KSE Foundation
The award also announced special awards for three educators for the second time within the framework of Talents for Ukraine - the KSE Foundation grant program to support talented Ukrainians.
- Yevheniy Atamasenko, a chemistry teacher from Kalynivka in the Kyiv region, has been teaching for over 30 years and convinces: chemistry is not only about formulas, but also about water, air and the environment.
- Kostyantyn Kravchuk, a computer science and fine arts teacher from Khmelnytskyi. In 2022, he left teaching at the academy and went to school to support children during the war.
- Olga Pogribnyak, a history teacher in grades 5–8 from the Kyiv region. She created the “ProsteZNO” application with theory, tests and flashcards, which was used by over 100 thousand graduates.
All three will receive $5,000 from the KSE Foundation for their own development: training, internships, mentoring programs, etc.
The guests were entertained by YakTak, Jerry Heil, Alyona-Alyona, the Shchedryk choir, and the outstanding pianist Yevhen Khmara. Teachers became real stars that day, because the images in which the finalists of the award appeared on the red carpet were created by the famous designer Lina Khristoforova together with Ukrainian brands Backstage, Leskizzo, Bobkova, The coat, Bevza, Damirli, Indposhiv, Yarmich, and Gasanova.
The hosts of this year's Global Teacher Prize Ukraine 2025 award ceremony were Nelya Shovkoplyas, host of the morning project “Breakfast with 1+1”, and Timur Miroshnychenko, host of the “1% Club” project on 1+1 Ukraine. The event was broadcast on the air of the “United News” telethon and on the Kyivstar TV film and television platform.
The Global Teacher Prize Ukraine award for outstanding teachers is organized by Osvitoria with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, the national edutainment platform of current knowledge and skills Diya.Osvita, the state educational ecosystem Mriya, UNICEF, the IT company Soft Serve, Sense Bank, the Swiss-Ukrainian program EGAP, implemented by the Eastern Europe Foundation, the pharmaceutical company Biopharma, the KSE Foundation, Talents for Ukraine, Uklon, EdPro, Grade Education center, Coca-Cola HBC Ukraine, Accord Group and the Educational Initiatives Fund. 1+1 media acts as the general media partner, the Kyivstar TV film and television platform, Suspilne Movleniya, Pedan Buro, Planeta Kino, Children Kinofest, UFP, Gulliver, Teenergizer and Ukrainian Pravda provide information support. The finalists' looks were created by designer Lina Khristoforova, and implemented by The Coat, BEVZA, Bobkova, Leskizzo, Gasanova, Indposhiv, Damirli, Yarmich and the Backstage chain of salons.
Information note
Global Teacher Prize Ukraine is an annual national award for teachers-agents of educational change. The award is designed to recognize the achievements of teachers not only in relation to their students, but also to society, and to emphasize the importance of teachers in Ukraine.
"Osvitoria" is a non-profit public association that has been helping to reform and develop education in Ukraine since 2013. Founder of Global Teacher Prize Ukraine. More on the website: https://osvitoria.org/
