In 2025, Ukraine announced the winner of the prestigious Global Teacher Prize Ukraine2025. Ruslan Shalamov, a biology and ecology teacher from Kharkiv, claimed the top spot.

Originally aspiring to be a biochemist, Ruslan discovered his true calling through a chance lesson in 1994. Since then, he has nurtured numerous Olympiad winners and authored textbooks, training hundreds of fellow educators.

According to the organizers from the NGO "Osvitoria", Ruslan is actively involved in the NUS reform and the development of educational standards. He has authored an innovative biology program and written over 50 books, including 10 textbooks endorsed by the Ministry of Education.

While working at school, he defended a PhD in biochemistry. Many of his students now attend leading universities worldwide. He has conducted countless teacher trainings, promoting a child-centered approach and competency-based methods.

As part of the prize, he received one million hryvnias to bring his educational dreams to fruition.

The Global Teacher Prize Ukraine is an annual award aimed at recognizing the achievements of teachers not only for their students but also for society, emphasizing the importance of educators in Ukraine. This year saw a record number of nominations - 2300, the highest in the award's history.

Over 250 volunteers evaluated the applications across various cities in Ukraine. The top 50 candidates were identified, followed by assessments from 14 experts, including representatives from NGOs and past finalists.

In-depth interviews were conducted with the candidates, resulting in the selection of the top 10 teachers for 2025. A competent jury then determined the winner through secret voting during a two-day assessment center.