Oleksandr Dumyshynets

Oleksandr Dumyshynets is a Ukrainian computer science educator whose innovative teaching, national impact, and deep commitment to students affected by war have positioned him as a transformative leader in modern education. Although he once dreamed of becoming an actor, he discovered that his true stage was the classroom—a place where he could shape the future by empowering young people, educators, and entire communities.

He teaches computer science to students in grades 5–11 while also training teachers across Ukraine, developing national learning materials, and supporting displaced educators through his work at Mariupol University. Dedicated to expanding AI literacy, he trains teachers, local government leaders and HR specialists from public and private sectors on the ethical use of artificial intelligence to strengthen communities and human capital.

One of his greatest challenges has been overcoming scepticism toward technology. Rather than simply explain its value, he demonstrated it—helping students create chatbots, educational games and AI-ethics analyses. These methods have now been adopted by colleagues, inspiring a culture of innovation across schools. His greatest classroom accomplishment is an interactive, game-based programming course that enables children to master complex concepts through creativity and collaboration. Students’ projects consistently win national and international recognition.

Despite teaching in a country at war, Oleksandr creates a safe, motivating environment for students who face displacement, emotional instability and unequal access to technology. He adapts tasks for offline learning, builds flexible assessments, and provides strong emotional support, ensuring every child believes in their potential.

His students’ measurable achievements are remarkable: admission to top institutions, a full scholarship to Phillips Exeter Academy (USA), participation in international projects in Africa, and major victories at the Infomatrix global competition—including a Grand Prix in Mexico (2023), a platinum award in Bucharest (2024), and a silver medal in 2025. One student’s project also earned a $5,000 KSE Foundation grant. Under his leadership, participation in IT activities has risen by 30%, and the school has earned the status of “Microsoft School.”

Beyond his classroom, Oleksandr works tirelessly for community development. He delivers AI training for government and corporate leaders, teaches future professionals at the Ukrainian School of Management, supports prisoners of war through public initiatives, and leads IT classes for children of military families. He also writes for national media and organizes digital literacy training for communities across Ukraine.

His work nurtures global citizenship through international collaborations, online exchanges, climate education, and innovative global projects—even connecting students with researchers at the Akademik Vernadsky polar station. He integrates sustainability through eco-projects, VR/AR climate modelling, and national initiatives such as the All-Ukrainian Minecraft EDU Championship.

A national leader in teacher development, Oleksandr develops advanced training courses, leads webinars for thousands of educators, mentors colleagues, and consults UNESCO on informatics in education.

If awarded the Global Teacher Prize, he plans to create a STEM & AI centre “Education with Meaning,” expand climate education, strengthen school laboratories, and launch grants for young teachers. His mission is clear: to combine technology, humanity and creativity to empower a generation capable of rebuilding Ukraine and bettering the world.