"An act of faith in another person": a dialogue on the future of education held at the National Centre RUSSIA
On June 28, visitors to the National Centre RUSSIA explored the "Flagships of Education" project within the "Space of Opportunities" as part of the nationwide "Youth Day 2025" festival. The festival was organised by the presidential platform "Russia – Land of Opportunity," Rosmolodezh, the Movement of the First and the Russian society Znanie. All events were held under the concept "Know. Love. Be Proud, Multiply."
The presidential platform "Russia – Land of Opportunity" prepared an extensive programme for visitors to the "Space of Opportunities" at the National Centre RUSSIA, centred around pride in the country’s achievements and their further development. A highlight of the day was the panel discussion "Heroes in the Profession," part of the "Flagships of Education" project. The discussion offered a vivid example of dialogue on the present and future of education, the role of the teacher in society, and new representations of heroes through the lens of media.
The event was hosted and moderated by Yulia Zakharkina, coordinator of the "Flagships of Education" project, winner of the TopBLOG project of the presidential platform "Russia – Land of Opportunity," and a popular education blogger. She opened the session with a celebratory message, shared the project’s concept, and gave the floor to the invited speakers.
"Teaching is an act of faith in another person. More and more young educators are becoming true leaders who bring values, knowledge and sincerity. The 'Flagships of Education' project gives such people opportunities and support. And Youth Day is the perfect moment to say it once again: being a teacher is something to be proud of," said Artyom Mironov, Head of the "Flagships of Education" project of the presidential platform "Russia – Land of Opportunity.
The members of the discussion included:
- Pavel Severinets, expert of the "Education Flagships Constellation" community and head of Khoroshovskaya School;
- Dmitry Shepelev, television presenter and journalist, who gave a short workshop on how to communicate one’s values and achievements clearly and ethically in the public space;
- Andrei Fedotov, English teacher, blogger, curator of the "Klassnaya Tema!" ("Cool Topic") project and lecturer with the Russian society Znanie;
- Nikolai Ovdenko, history and social studies teacher from Elektrostal, finalist of "Flagships of Education," mentor and laureate of the national competitions "Klassnaya Tema!" and "Znanie. Lecturer.
In his signature workshop, Dmitry Shepelev shared insights on how to speak thoughtfully and ethically about oneself, one's work and accomplishments in the media.
"The media is a mirror. It can distort, but it can also highlight what truly matters. I believe that today’s heroes are those who are not afraid to be real. I had a teacher who made me stronger. I sincerely believe that anyone can become that person for someone else. That’s why the 'Flagships of Education' project of the presidential platform 'Russia – Land of Opportunity' speaks to me – it helps people in education realise their strength, find their voice and share it with others," said Dmitry Shepelev.
Listeners discussed who can be a hero in education today: the classroom teacher shaping futures one student at a time, or the blogger inspiring thousands online. How can we preserve respect for the profession in the media age? What does it take to be heard? Why is a teacher more than a subject expert, and how can we motivate young people to genuinely want to enter the classroom?
Speakers noted that today everyone – especially teachers – has the opportunity to share experiences, shape values and inspire others. The key is to start speaking up. The "Flagships of Education" project can help – the "Media" track is now open for applications on the website.
The platform’s events were a vivid part of the large-scale festival "Know. Love. Be Proud. Multiply." The general partners were the Rosatom State Corporation and Sber.
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Instead of a standard lecture, the organisers have prepared interactive tasks for guests.
