On April 23, Oleksandr Zhuk, a computer science teacher at the Dzherelo special boarding school in Zaporizhzhia, became the regional winner of the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards 2025 in Europe. This competition recognizes outstanding educators from around the world.
Oleksandr Zhuk is the first Ukrainian teacher to be recognized as a regional winner in the competition’s seven-year history. The judges selected him from among 5,000 candidates from 101 countries for his innovative use of technology to promote the success of his students.
“I am honored by this recognition, but the real reward has always been the daily joy and progress I see in my students. Working with children who face unique challenges proves that with enough support and faith, every child is capable of the incredible,” says Oleksandr Zhuk.
Oleksandr Zhuk was inspired by a chance meeting with a student with a hearing impairment while studying at university. It was then that he became interested in sign language. Since then, Oleksandr has taught for 16 years and specializes in applying science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics to help children with special educational needs reach their potential.
