Panel Discussion "The Role of the Teaching Profession in the Development of the Society"

Today, more than ever, teachers play a key role in shaping future generations. Amid rapid societal changes, current challenges, and technological advancements, the teaching profession has become even more responsible. To discuss this important topic, the Karazin University Teaching Academy, in partnership with the NGO "EdCamp Ukraine" and the International Inclusion Foundation, gathered leading education specialists and future teachers in Kyiv.

A panel discussion titled "The Role of the Teaching Profession in the Development of Society (in the context of data from the international review 'Education at a Glance 2024')" took place.

Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and founder and curator of the PISA International Student Assessment Program, presented the findings of the "Education at a Glance 2024" report. This research is a reputable source of information on the state of education worldwide. “You are the architects of Ukraine’s future. This is a very challenging mission because you need to envision this future before others can see it.

The best way to do this is to align yourself with the educational environment and strategies that will help create this better future,” he said.

The discussion also featured:

• Serhii Koleboshyn, Deputy Chair of the Committee on Education, Science, and Innovations of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine;
• Olena Masalitina, Vice-Chair of the Board of NGO "EdCamp Ukraine";
• Maryna Krisov, Head of the International NGO "International Inclusion Foundation";
• Oleksandr Dumyshynets, IT teacher, semi-finalist of the Global Teacher Prize 2024;
• Tetyana Kaganovska, Rector of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University.

The Rector emphasized that one of Karazin University’s main missions is social responsibility, one of the key aspects of which is the preparation of highly qualified teaching professionals.

The discussion was moderated by Karazin University Vice-Rector and former Minister of Education and Science (2016–2019), Liliia Hrynevych. According to her, the Teaching Academy is about modern methodologies, understanding one’s own psychology and the psychology of those you teach, and finding inspiration as well as moral, physical, and spiritual resources that can help teachers in their important work.

The presentation continued with a discussion involving experts, Karazin students, and educators from Kharkiv. As part of the event, Karazin students also visited the MIDGARD school, where students from the Teaching Academy will undertake their practice. MIDGARD is an educational space where new standards and approaches in the learning and development system are created.

For Karazin students, a seminar on "Inclusive Education: An Introduction to the SEP Approach" was conducted. The visit concluded with a tour of the "Formation of the Ukrainian Nation" museum, aimed at fostering patriotism, conscious citizenship, and respect for the traditions, culture, and history of the Ukrainian people.

Quality education not only shapes professional skills but also instills values, moral foundations, and critical thinking, which are the bedrock of every country's development. We are delighted to be part of this important mission!