Lesya Pavliuk, a teacher from Ivano-Frankivsk, embodies the excellence and resilience of Ukraine’s education system. Winner of the 2024 Global Teacher Prize Ukraine, she is now among the top 50 teachers worldwide in the prestigious 2025 Global Teacher Prize, a $1 million annual award presented by the Varkey Foundation to honor exceptional contributions to education.
Lesya Pavliuk was one of the first in Ukraine to implement inclusive teaching approaches in her classrooms. Attuned to the needs of students with disabilities, she developed innovative teaching methodologies that promote empathy and the acceptance of differences. Her methods enable every student, regardless of ability, to thrive and reach their full potential.
Upon receiving her award, Lesya Pavliuk spoke about the Ukraine she dreams of building:
“I truly believe that our students will shape the Ukraine we dream of. We teach them values that will guide their lives, show them how to collaborate and embrace differences. We teach them to discern right from wrong, to make decisions and take responsibility for them. We teach them to dream and to turn their dreams into reality.”
This recognition of an Ukrainian educator highlights the critical importance of education and the well-being of children in Ukraine. This commitment is reflected in the dynamism of schools across the country and the outstanding achievements of students, particularly in STEM fields, where practical and forward-thinking applications are emphasized for their future. Ukraine is already renowned for producing some of the world’s best engineers and IT developers.
“I want the world to hear about Ukrainian education: its resilience, its strength, and its ability to adapt, even in the toughest of times.”
— Lesya Pavliuk
Lesya Pavliuk’s journey is a remarkable example of resilience, showing how essential education is for the future of her country, equipping future generations with the tools they need to rebuild.
Cover photo: Office of the President of Ukraine
