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The international educational group Cambridge University Press & Assessment has recognized Oleksandr Zhuk, an informatics teacher at the Zaporizhzhia Specialized Secondary School for Children with Disabilities “Dzherelo,” as the regional winner of the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards 2025 in Europe. Over 5,000 candidates from more than 100 countries competed for the award. However, the judges selected Oleksandr Zhuk, praising his innovative use of technology to support his students’ success. He is the first Ukrainian teacher to be named a regional winner in the seven-year history of the competition.
Oleksandr Zhuk is one of nine regional winners of the global Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards, which recognizes outstanding educators from around the world. The teacher will receive an honorary trophy and a set of books worth £500 for his classroom. Additionally, he will have the opportunity to gain recognition for himself and his school over the next year. Oleksandr’s name will also be featured on the “Acknowledgements” page of several new Cambridge textbooks, set to be released in November 2025.
The inspiration for Oleksandr Zhuk came from a meeting with a student with hearing impairment during his university studies, which sparked his interest in sign language. With 16 years of teaching experience now behind him, he specializes in applying science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) to help children with special educational needs unlock their potential. In 2020, his contributions were recognized internationally. He was included in the list of 50 nominees for the Global Teacher Prize by the Varkey Foundation, a charity focused on improving education standards for children from underprivileged families.
“This recognition is a great honor for me. However, the true reward has always been the joy and progress I see in my students every day. Working with children who face unique challenges proves that, with the right support and belief, every child is capable of incredible things,” says Oleksandr Zhuk. “This award is not just mine – it belongs to my students, their families, and the entire educational community of Ukraine, which continues to believe in the power of inclusive, meaningful education.”
The Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards highlights the crucial role teachers play in developing their students and preparing them for life beyond school. It invites students, parents, and colleagues to nominate a primary or secondary school teacher. Here, everyone can vote for Oleksandr Zhuk or another regional winner. The voting will help determine the global winner of the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards 2025. Voting will continue until April 30, and the winner will be announced on May 21.
“At Cambridge, we are inspired by the stories of teachers who exceed themselves and all expectations, not for recognition, but because they believe in the power of education to change lives,” says Rod Smith, Managing Director of International Education. “In a field where artificial intelligence is constantly in the spotlight, it’s truly refreshing to see the warmth and humanity that this year’s winners bring to their classrooms.”
He adds that the awards serve as a reminder each time of the pivotal role teachers play in providing a well-rounded education. “Even the most advanced technologies cannot replace the empathy, creativity, social orientation, and inspiration that a remarkable teacher like Oleksandr Zhuk can offer,” emphasized Rod Smith. “I congratulate Oleksandr on his outstanding achievements, which I am sure will inspire teachers and students across Europe.”
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