Vocational professions became the focus of discussion at the Homeroom Teachers’ Forum

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As part of the All-Russian Homeroom Teachers’ Forum at the National Centre RUSSIA, the exposition "85 Years of Vocational Education: Strength in Mastery!" opened. Carefully selected displays across four halls take visitors through each represented era: from the very origins and development during the time of Peter I to the system of Soviet vocational schools. Documents, archival photographs, and symbols of the eras — the exposition will be on at the National Centre RUSSIA from 3 October. The project was prepared on behalf of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation by the Humanitarian Projects Foundation.

Today, the exposition "85 Years of Vocational Education: Strength in Mastery!" was visited by the Prime Minister of Russia, Mikhail Mishustin, together with the Minister of Education, Sergei Kravtsov.  

One of those who met Mikhail Mishustin was a participant of the Homeroom Teachers’ Forum, Artur Yavgastin from the Orenburg region, prize-winner of the final stage of the All-Russian competition among teaching staff of the system of secondary vocational education "Master of the Year – 2024": "The meeting was very productive, and the spirit of the upcoming Teacher’s Day celebration was present from beginning to end. The problems that were discussed, the issues, the proposals — all were relevant. They had accumulated in each of us for quite some time. Teachers, masters, heads of institutions, and students — everyone made their proposals, and all of them were met with understanding by Mikhail Vladimirovich." 

"The most important thing in the vocational education system is the people. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to teachers, masters, and mentors. Your professionalism, dedication, and readiness for constant development are the foundation of the success of Russia’s entire system of secondary vocational education," said Viktor Neumyvakin, Director of the Department of State Policy in the Sphere of Secondary Vocational Education and Vocational Training of the Ministry of Education of Russia.

At the Homeroom Teachers’ Forum talk show, TV presenter and journalist Vladimir Solovyov, together with experts and teachers, discussed pressing and "painful" topics: bureaucratic workload, the role of parents and schools in raising children, and where the prestige of the teaching profession begins. 

Deputy Minister of Education of the Russian Federation Olga Koludarova: "Today, education is not only the process of transmitting knowledge, but also of raising a personality. A teacher primarily acts as a mentor who, by personal example, shapes students’ worldview and instils traditional spiritual and moral values in children. I would like to note that from 1 September 2025, Order No. 704 entered into force, transferring all educational institutions to unified teaching and learning programmes. During the academic year, we will monitor the situation and introduce certain adjustments." 

Also taking part in the event was the First Deputy Chair of the State Duma Committee on Education, Alena Arshinova. She highlighted the achievements of the Russian educational system and focused on educational work with children: "Particular attention is paid to creating a comfortable educational environment. More than 5,600 schools have already undergone major renovations. By the end of the year, it is planned to complete the renovation of more than 550 additional buildings. In addition, we continue to reduce the bureaucratic workload on teachers in kindergartens, vocational schools, and universities. In 2023, we adopted a law that strengthened the leading role of the teacher. Educators, teachers, and lecturers are the foundation of the education system; the quality of our children’s education directly depends on them. We must create the best possible working conditions for teachers." 

TV presenter and journalist Vladimir Solovyov: "We must raise children who will enter this life as citizens, patriots, capable of building the future. That is why it is important for heroes of the special military operation to go into schools. For them to look into the eyes of the younger generation. For children to look at them. And to be proud of their teachers." Vladimir Solovyov also touched upon the topic of artificial intelligence: "You represent the most conservative profession on Earth. You live in an age of the fastest-changing technologies. What knowledge can we give children that they cannot refute with the help of artificial intelligence? You will have to understand these technologies better than your students in order to see that the work they bring you is really done by them, and not generated 10 seconds before the lesson by artificial intelligence — which often has nothing to do with reality." 

Ambassador of the Homeroom Teachers’ Forum 2023, homeroom teacher from Lipetsk, Larisa Potapova: "There is no such thing as an ideal child; there are only dreams of a convenient child — convenient for the teacher, convenient for the parent. And that is the most frightening thing. As long as we, teachers, resist this, there will be progress. The moment we step away from this path — there will be collapse!"

At the Forum, a discussion was held titled "What Do Schoolchildren Really Want from Science?" where participants explored which tools a teacher can use to foster students’ interest in science. The partner of the discussion was ANO "National Priorities". 

"Scientific leadership begins with a successful mentor. To achieve this, it is essential to ensure continuity and the development of scientific schools in Russia. In the Decade of Science and Technology in Russia, our task is not only to create conditions for breakthrough research but also to build a community of strong academic leaders capable of guiding a new generation of scientists and helping young people unlock their potential," noted Sofia Malyavina, Director General of ANO "National Priorities". 

"The Knowledge Centre has accumulated unique experience in training managers — 'flexible' strategists for various levels of the education system — in just three years of work. We have developed mechanisms for the effective development of the modern school, trained the top personnel reserve, and continue to work with the community of school directors. Today, the country’s teaching community faces a number of challenges. These concern the disappearance of the 'monopoly on knowledge', the status and social role of teachers, and the use of advanced technologies transforming education. The Mashuk team, through its educational programmes, provides teachers with a 'showcase' of best practices and methods in the field of upbringing and mentorship," said Anton Serikov, General Director of the Mashuk Knowledge Centre and Deputy Director General of the Russian society Znanie. 

Forty physics teachers of the Homeroom Teachers’ Forum from various regions of Russia visited the Kurchatov Institute. The educators visited the memorial complex of the first nuclear reactor in the Eurasian continent, F-1, and the exposition dedicated to the history of the Kurchatov Institute. They also familiarised themselves with the research infrastructure of the Centre, with the Kurchatov specialised synchrotron radiation source KISI-Kurchatov, and Russia’s largest experimental thermonuclear facility, Tokamak T-15MD.