Empathy Foundation has awarded the best Salda teachers

SVERDLOVSK REGION

 

The Empathy Charitable Foundation, established by Mikhail Shelkov, a shareholder of VSMPO-AVISMA Corporation, has honored the winners of the 2024 Best Teachers of Verkhnyaya Salda and Nizhnyaya Salda pedagogical skills competition. The foundation has also announced the extension of its support programs for teachers, educators, and employees of social rehabilitation centers through 2025.

 

This year, nearly a third of the teachers from Verkhnyaya Salda and Nizhnyaya Salda towns applied to participate in the competition. Out of 175 applicants, the panel of experts selected 96 winners across five categories, giving special recognition to the top 20 teachers. Each winner will receive a monthly grant of 15,000 rubles throughout the school year, doubling the Empathy Foundation's contribution to a total of 30,000 rubles, as the foundation's press office told RusBusinessNews.

To enter the annual contest, teachers must submit a video introduction, a portfolio showcasing their accomplishments for the academic year, and a lesson or event plan. The evaluation takes place over the summer, with the top educators from Verkhnyaya Salda and Nizhnyaya Salda being announced in the fall.

 

Eligible participants include elementary and subject teachers, classroom mentors, special education professionals, child social activities specialists, and other education professionals from both towns.

This year’s winners were personally congratulated by Yevgeny Kuyvashev, the Governor of the Sverdlovsk Region, who said, "I congratulate you on winning the competition and on your upcoming professional holiday. I wish you all good health and hope you are always surrounded by grateful students. I firmly believe that teaching is the most important profession in the world. Without teachers, we wouldn’t have doctors, engineers, or metallurgists. You are the root of all professions."

 

Mikhail Shelkov, the founder of the Empathy Charitable Foundation, added, "Our contest continues to evolve—more applications, clearer criteria, and new categories. This year, we have five: First Discoveries, Cultural Code, Analytical Thinking, Harmonious Development, and Empathy. These categories allow us to encompass teachers of all subjects and cover the essential aspects of children's education, which is exactly the mission of our foundation. The pedagogical excellence competition helps us identify the most active educators and support their professional growth, ultimately benefiting their students."

As part of its core support initiatives, the Empathy Charitable Foundation has provided all 585 Salda teachers with monthly bonuses of 15,000 rubles for the 2023-2024 academic year. Additionally, 572 kindergarten heads and teachers receive monthly payments of 10,000 and 15,000 rubles, respectively. Since 2023, ongoing financial assistance has also been extended to 106 employees of social rehabilitation centers for minors. Over 210 million rubles will be allocated to these programs, which have been extended through the 2024-2025 school year. This support is offered on the indefinite basis and at no cost, allowing teachers to spend more time on personal pursuits, family, or extracurricular engagement with their students.

 

Furthermore, the foundation promotes professional growth among educators by organizing free professional development courses and master classes in relevant fields, featuring federal experts and esteemed practitioners as facilitators.