On 25 June, the event “Teacher Training System During Wartime: Assessing Readiness for Today’s Challenges” took place at the Premier Palace Hotel Kyiv. During the event, participants were presented with an analytical report summarising the results of a comprehensive monitoring study titled “Training Future Teachers in Higher Education Institutions Regarding the Goals, Content, and Methodology of Teaching During Wartime and the Restoration of the Educational Process After De-occupation.” The study was conducted by the NGO Almenda Centre for Civic Education.

The event featured an open discussion titled “How to Ensure Quality Teacher Training Amid War and in the Recovery Phase?”, with participation from Liudmyla Shevchuk, Deputy Head of the Department for De-occupation and Reintegration of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

The event opened with a presentation of the study’s key findings and statistical data by education expert and Almenda analyst Oleh Okhredko, who outlined the research results, including an analysis of educational programs, standards, and surveys in pedagogical universities.

Valentina Potapova, Head of National Advocacy at Almenda, further highlighted the challenges pedagogical institutions face in adapting to wartime conditions.

Later, a discussion took place where participants shared their perspectives on the educational process during wartime, reflected on the findings presented in the study, and exchanged views on how to ensure quality education under current conditions and what competencies a modern teacher should possess. Liudmyla Shevchuk noted that this year marked the completion of the first full academic cycle in the temporarily occupied territories. Graduates are expressing interest in what opportunities Ukraine can offer and are seeking ways to maintain their connection with their homeland. The Deputy Head of the Department for De-occupation and Reintegration of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea highlighted that the Mission of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea is actively working with young people, including through cooperation with universities — an approach that helps to better understand the needs of those involved in the educational process and to collaborate with them more effectively.

Valentyna Potapova, Head of the National Advocacy Department at the Center for Civic Education Almenda, emphasized that in today’s realities, the role of teachers has changed significantly — they now conduct lessons in shelters and provide basic emotional support. The teacher has become a pillar of strength for children and must also be capable of countering propaganda narratives.

The event highlighted the importance of a comprehensive approach to teacher training during wartime. The discussion underscored the need to adapt educational programs to current challenges and to provide active support for graduates from the temporarily occupied territories.