Gelendzhik became the competition venue thanks to Tatyana Ranninen, a teacher at Kindergarten No. 9 "Solnyshko," who won the competition in 2024.
To achieve their laureate status, the contestants demonstrated their skills during group lessons with children, presented their competencies in a developmental lesson, and engaged with representatives of the parent community.
The competition rounds were broadcast live, giving everyone the opportunity not only to gain firsthand impressions but also to learn from some of Russia's best educators.
On September 27, Teacher's and Preschool Workers' Day, a ceremony was held to announce the 15 winners. The event was attended by Russian Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov and Krasnodar Krai Governor Veniamin Kondratyev.
"I welcome the participants of the final round of the All-Russian competition 'Educator of the Year in Russia.' Today, we not only honor the winners but also congratulate our educators and all preschool workers on their professional holiday. The preschool education system is one of the key factors in shaping a child's personality. It comprises over 44,000 organizations implementing preschool education programs and more than 630,000 teachers," Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov addressed those gathered in the concert hall of the Gelendzhik Arena cultural and business complex.
"Every educator from across our country, including those in the Krasnodar Region, is worth their weight in gold. We desperately need you because you, like our teachers, hold in your hands the most precious and valuable asset our nation has—our youth. You treat your students as your own. And if school shapes individuals, then you instill in them a foundation of understanding life around them, relationships with others, patriotism, love for their families, the region they live in, and for the greatness of Russia. Preschool education fulfills one of the most important functions in shaping a harmonious personality... I congratulate you on this holiday and thank you for your work!" said Veniamin Kondratyev, Governor of the Krasnodar Region, greeting the educators.
In a solemn ceremony, words of gratitude, congratulations, flowers, and diplomas were presented to the competition laureates:
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Olga Alferova (Republic of Bashkortostan);
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Anastasia Andryukova (Kurgan Oblast);
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Anastasia Balandina (Saint Petersburg);
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Olesya Bedrik (Republic of Crimea);
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Elizaveta Bogatyreva (Moscow);
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Daria Golovastova (Ryazan Oblast);
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Anastasia Dorogastina (Sverdlovsk Oblast);
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Oksana Kurenkova (Ulyanovsk Oblast);
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Victoria Ongemakh (Kemerovo Oblast - Kuzbass);
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Ekaterina Petrova (Moscow Oblast);
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Maria Smetannikova (Lipetsk Oblast);
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Svetlana Tarasova (Belgorod Oblast);
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Yana Tereshchenko (Stavropol Krai);
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Antonina Titova (Republic of Adygea);
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Maria Chernova (Voronezh region).
The competition's partners also took part in the ceremony, adding to the festive spirit by presenting gifts and prizes.
Five years ago, MOZAIKA-SINTEZ Publishing House established a special prize, "For Loyalty to the Profession," named after Tamara Komarova — a scientist, professor, creator of a system of artistic and aesthetic education for preschoolers, and author of books and teaching aids for teachers. In 2025, the winner of this award was Elena Suvorova, a teacher at Kindergarten No. 91 in Sevastopol who dedicated 34 years of her life to preschool education.
Presenting the teacher with a commemorative prize, a diploma, and a 50,000-ruble certificate, Anna Yelanskaya, PR Director of the publishing house, noted: "When asked about her students, our nominee this year said, 'All my children are stars!'" And today she has become a star to whom we give our hearts and an award!”
Hospitable Gelendzhik gave its guests a warm welcome, leaving the fondest memories in their hearts.
The second round of the in-person, final stage of the "Educator of the Year of Russia" competition took place on September 29 in the Moscow Region and included the "Master Class," "Blitz Tournament," and "Educational Overdrive" challenges.
The winners of the four all-Russian professional competitions—"Educator of the Year of Russia," "Teacher of the Year of Russia," "First Teacher," and "Principal of the Year of Russia"—were announced on October 3 at the State Kremlin Palace during a gala concert dedicated to International Teachers' Day.
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The All-Russian professional competition "Educator of the Year of Russia" is held to support and reward talented teachers in the preschool education system and to disseminate the pedagogical experience of the best educators in the Russian Federation.
Preschool teachers from all regions of the country participated in the 2025 "Educator of the Year of Russia" competition. The professional competition was founded by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science, and operated by the Center for Educational Initiatives of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation.
The magazine "Modern Preschool Education" served as the competition's information partner throughout its entire run.
Text and photos: Anna Yelanskaya