The Global Teacher Prize Ukraine has introduced a new nomination category called ‘Defender Teacher’ aimed at recognizing educators with military service experience. This nomination is open to three groups: teachers currently serving in Ukraine’s defense forces, veterans who have returned to teaching after service, and those whose careers have intertwined education and military service but are unable to return to the classroom due to current circumstances.
The winner of this category will receive a cash prize of 500,000 UAH.
Olexandr Chuchayev, a history teacher and finalist of the Global Teacher Prize Ukraine in 2017 and 2020, now serving in the defense forces, commented, “War has taught me that weapons protect today, but education secures tomorrow. A teacher and a defender represent two roles of shared responsibility: one safeguards the nation physically, while the other nurtures resilience, values, and the inner strength of future generations.”
Ukrainian teachers are not only educating students during wartime but are also stepping up to defend the country by joining the armed forces. Many return to schools after their service, continuing to impart lessons to their students. Their experiences extend beyond personal narratives, helping shape students’ understanding of responsibility, resilience, leadership, and the value of freedom. The ‘Defender Teacher’ nomination seeks to honor those educators who have balanced their commitment to the country with their roles in education.
Zoya Lytvyn, founder of the Global Teacher Prize Ukraine and the educational organization ‘Osvitoria,’ remarked, “The ‘Defender Teacher’ nomination reflects the reality we all find ourselves in. Teachers have shifted their schedules to accommodate military duties, or upon completing their service, have chosen to dedicate themselves to education. We aim to highlight these stories, which are among the most crucial lessons of our time.”
In support of this new nomination, military personnel and members of cultural forces have created a video showcasing individuals who are currently defending the country and its future.
If you have a background in education and have defended or are defending Ukraine, or know an educator whose story deserves recognition, you can submit an application or nominate them for the Global Teacher Prize Ukraine 2026.
Your story or that of a colleague could serve as an inspiration for the entire nation.
The Global Teacher Prize Ukraine is a leading national professional award for outstanding educators, celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. It is part of a prestigious global award established by philanthropist Sunny Varkey in 2014.
The main winner will receive 1,000,000 UAH, with additional special nominations for 2026, including ‘Mathematics Teacher,’ ‘Defender Teacher,’ ‘Integrity Teacher,’ and ‘Choice of the Heart,’ each offering rewards up to 500,000 UAH or educational trips.
Teachers can apply directly, while students, parents, friends, or colleagues can nominate their favorite educator on the award’s website: apply.globalteacherprize.org.ua.
The Global Teacher Prize Ukraine is organized by Osvitoria with support from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, the national edutainment platform Diya.Education, the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative in Ukraine (EUACI), IT company Soft Serve, KSE Foundation, Talents for Ukraine, and Ukrainian Railways. Media partners include 1+1 media, Kyivstar TV, Public Broadcasting, Ukrainska Pravda, Hromadske, and others providing informational support.
The Global Teacher Prize Ukraine has launched a new category, 'Defender Teacher,' to honor educators with military service. This initiative aims to recognize their dual roles in education and defense, reflecting the realities faced by many teachers in Ukraine during the ongoing conflict.