Georgia’s Minister of Education, Science and Youth, Givi Mikanadze, honoured the winners of the National Teacher’s Award on October 27, National Teacher’s Day.
Alongside the Minister, addresses were made to the assembled audience and professional congratulations extended to teachers by Georgia’s President, Mikheil Kavelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, and Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili.
The Minister thanked each teacher for their years of service, dedication to the profession and invaluable contribution to raising future generations, emphasising that the country’s bright future rests precisely upon teachers, their labour and devotion.
“Teachers bear an immense mission and fulfil it with dignity; this is the most patriotic, the greatest work that a person can do for the good of the country. I bow before each of you and say with complete responsibility that your support and our relationship with you are an exceptional priority for us. I am delighted that we are together today and have the opportunity to once again express warmth, respect and affection towards you.
The teaching profession is particularly close to my heart, as my earliest life experiences are deeply connected to education. I began working as a teacher while still a second-year university student. That period holds a special place in my life; I remain friends with many of my pupils today and continue to support them wholeheartedly. I also teach at several universities, because engaging with young people and being involved in the educational process is of great personal importance to me; I simply cannot imagine my life without it.
So, please, don’t think that standing before you today is merely about being a minister or a politician. First and foremost, I am a teacher, proud to have taken my first professional steps within the walls of a school,” Givi Mikanadze stated.
For their exceptional contribution to the development of the education system and society, ten teachers received the 2025 National Teacher’s Award and a monetary prize of GEL 10,000. They are: Nana Burdzenidze, teacher at Chiatura Public School No. 4; Tinatin Pruidze, teacher at Bolnisi First Public School; Magdana Matitaishvili, teacher at Batumi Public School No. 16; Klara Potskhverashvili, teacher at Poka Village Public School in Ninotsminda Municipality; Tsiala Chanturia, teacher at Tsalenjikha Second Public School; Tamar Chkhaidze, teacher at Tbilisi Public School No. 37; Elene Patashuri, teacher at Dusheti First Public School; Neli Gelashvili, teacher at Tbilisi First Experimental Public School; Shorena Karalashvili, teacher at Mtisdziri Village Public School in Kvareli Municipality; Teimuraz Davitadze, teacher at Shuakhevi Public School.
With the support of Georgia’s Government, National Teacher’s Day is marked annually on October 27, the birthday of the Georgian educator, founder of scientific pedagogy, journalist, children’s writer and public figure, Iakob Gogebashvili. Additionally, every year on this day, dedicated teachers receive the National Teacher’s Award, a medal and a monetary prize of GEL 10,000.
The establishment of National Teachers’ Day and the Award serves to emphasise and honour the role of teachers in society. To this end, in accordance with criteria established by the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth, stories are gathered from across the country of teachers who make exceptional contributions to the development of pupils, the school community or their local area. At the final stage, a specially assembled commission identifies the year’s ten best teachers.
This year, following a new initiative by Georgia’s Minister of Education, Science and Youth, activities were held across the entire country to recognise teachers’ work; in each municipality, five dedicated teachers were selected and honoured at the local level, who also attended the presentation of awards to the National Teacher’s Award winners.
