School stories in verse, mini-performances with AI: the final of the competition “Teacher of the Year” began with presentations of teachers

Speeches, posters, colorful stretch marks, poems, artificial intelligence and real mini-performances - the self-presentation of the participants of the final stage of the contest "Teacher of the Year of the Republic of Belarus - 2026" turned into a stunning show. Today, on September 21, in the Small Hall of the Palace of the Republic, 63 of the best teachers of the country began to fight for the title of absolute winner.

From the first minutes it became clear: this is not just a professional competition, but a real celebration of pedagogical talent. On the stage, school stories were revived, bright images appeared and poems sounded. Primary school teachers turned their performances into small performances. Some contestants used modern technologies and artificial intelligence, others preferred traditional poetry. The teachers spoke confidently, as if they had never left the stage. Charismatic, confident, artistic, intelligent – such are our Belarusian teachers.

Each teacher tried to tell about the main thing through his subject. The exact sciences became the language of logic and search, the humanities helped to speak about culture, memory and moral values, and creative subjects reminded of the importance of inspiration.

Member of the jury, winner of the contest “Teacher of the Year of the Republic of Belarus – 2023” Sergey Shaminsky admitted that he is experiencing familiar emotions again. Now he watches the contest not from the stage, but from the hall, and evaluates those who will soon be transferred to the baton of the winner:

- The main tests started today. They will show who will be the new winner. To be honest, this is a very difficult path. You need to have a huge exposure and psychological hardening. The best of the best come to the Republican stage. However, a bright performance on the stage is preceded by years of professional formation and serious selection. This competition is not a momentary or one-day phenomenon. People who come here have been polishing themselves for decades as teachers, mentors, educators. The competition begins at the school, then the district and regional stages pass. The team that comes to the Republican stage already represents its region. Believe me, this is constant training, lessons and performances in educational institutions of different cities.

The most difficult test for Sergei Shaminsky in his time was the superfinal. Then in one night he had to prepare two large-scale performances – a mini-lesson on stage and a public appeal to the pedagogical community

- Much of what was then shown to the audience was born for the first time on stage. I think it is important in any situation to be a natural and sincere person. People will see it and accept it.

A feature of the competition in 2026 was the increase in the number of nominations. Teachers compete in nine areas: seven of them are traditional and combine study subjects in educational areas. Two more nominations were introduced for the first time - "Young Teacher" and "Young Director of an educational institution implementing educational programs of general secondary education." Teachers under the age of 31 inclusive who have not more than five years of experience in the relevant position can participate in them.

Teacher of the Year has a long history and traditions that we continue to follow. Its main meaning is to contribute to the improvement of the professional skills of our teachers. I would like each participant to use the competition not only to present themselves, their pedagogical and methodological achievements, but also as an opportunity for professional improvement and growth. The competition is a good help for this.

The final stage will last in Minsk until October 2. Participants will hold lessons in unfamiliar classes, present master classes with the participation of students of pedagogical specialties of the Belarusian State Pedagogical University and the Minsk State Linguistic University. The program also includes drafting situational tasks and checking student work.

Teachers will be evaluated by experienced professionals. The jury included representatives of institutions of higher and additional education of teachers, as well as teachers who directly work in institutions of general secondary education.

The final stage is attended by 40 women and 23 men. The average age of the contestants is 35 years. The youngest teacher is 24 years old, the most experienced – 52. 37 participants have the highest qualification category, five more have the qualification category “teacher-methodist”. There are 52 finalists in urban educational institutions, 11 in rural ones. Gymnasiums are represented by 20 teachers, secondary schools - 43.

The competition "Teacher of the Year of the Republic of Belarus - 2026" is held in four stages: school, district, regional, republican. In total, more than 10 thousand teachers took part in all stages of the competition.

The final stage consists of the final and the superfinal. Of the 63 finalists, nine nomination winners will be selected, who will continue to fight for the main title. However, the first performances showed that each of the teachers on the stage deserves applause. For them, education is not just a profession, but a vocation, creativity and the cause of life. People’s Teacher of Belarus gave the finalists of the Teacher of the Year contest three valuable tips on how to become the winner