Tatiana Khotyleva, Head of “Elementary school” Department at ORT Moscow Technology School, Gymnasium #1540

Elementary school formed in the process of affiliating two absolutely different educational establishments one to another: Gymnasium #1540 (ORT Moscow Technology School) with Jewish studies on curriculum and an ordinary comprehensive school #228 for children from the neighborhood. High school remained on the premises of Gymnasium #1540, elementary school was to be opened at a new platform. The task was to simultaneously build bridges between two staffs and create a special atmosphere.

In two year the situation changed dramatically. We managed not only to build up a team of true professionals, but also to create a comfortable working atmosphere. We believe that we work in a big friendly team.

We are lucky to be part of ORT school network. ORT’s support stands for not only interesting projects for students and trainings for teachers. This doesn’t mean only technological backing and buying equipment for us. It means viewing ourselves as citizens of a big world. Children, their parents and teachers communicate with guests from other countries, share their achievements which add to the sense of success of all people involved in the process of education.

It is very important to us that parents think highly of our school. Currently the number of children, who want to enter the school, exceeds our capacity.

The school has become very popular not only in Moscow, but also in other countries. We receive applications for part-time education from parents of children who live in the Baltic States, Israel, Canada.

ORT Moscow Technology School has a high rating in professional circle, it is viewed as one of the leaders in technology and inclusive education in Russia. Elementary school runs internship for young professionals, conferences and seminars for education workers.

Cooperation with ORT gives me personally the opportunity for creative work and constant self-development. My view of further cooperation consists in developing connections among ORT network schools and organizing international projects.

Valentina Grigoryeva, Chemistry teacher at ORT "Mishpahteinu" Secondary School # 12, Kazan, Russia

Winning World ORT Excellence Award was very valuable for me. In 2011 I got the first prize in Tatarstan Republic competition “Our Best Teacher”, in 2008 I won “The Best Teacher of the Russian Federation” award – this is why an international award crowned the recognition of my pedagogical practice. I am so grateful to ORT for such a high evaluation of my work.

When I was in my school years, my classmates asked me for a favor “to explain Chemistry to” and were very content with the results. I liked the fact that I can help. I was very keen on the subject and I am still in touch with my Chemistry teacher, who helped me a lot at the beginning of my career. So I keep on “explaining Chemistry”.

Teaching is a tough job. You strive to present a difficult topic in simple words. You do your best to arise interest in those students unwilling to learn. It’s important to get on well with students in order for them to get into the classroom not only for a lesson. Experience in building good relationships comes in time.

However, the work doesn’t become easier. There appear new projects, innovations, new formats, new technologies and equipment. One should always learn. I want to understand and make use of what I learn at work.  If one wants something badly – everything becomes possible.

Increasing the level of teaching very much depends on classroom equipment. In this case ORT’s support for our school is invaluable. Moreover, I can feel constant support and encouragement of students and teachers’ research and creativity and care for professional development of teachers.

 Not long ago we held a large event called “Science Day”.

Collaboration with ORT to me stands for broadening my scope, additional opportunities for professional growth, leading position in teaching. The most prominent result of this cooperation was getting the highest teaching qualification this year.

I’m planning to take part in numerous projects, competitions and seminars for teachers and students run by ORT.

I’m grateful to the jury, organizing committee and World ORT on the whole for their high evaluation of my pedagogical work. Thank you for the support and all the given opportunities.