Andreja Pavlović

Andreja Pavlović is a mathematics teacher in Smederevo, Serbia, whose journey from humble beginnings to transformative teaching has made a lasting impact on his students, community, and profession. Growing up in the modest "Gypsy Mala" neighborhood, he was the first in his family to complete university, overcoming significant social and cultural challenges. He discovered teaching’s power to change lives and has spent 15 years dedicated to uplifting underprivileged students through innovative education and community initiatives. 

Andreja's approach is a commitment to making mathematics accessible and engaging. He developed the “Real-Life Math Connections” framework, where students learn mathematical concepts through hands-on, interdisciplinary projects addressing real-world challenges. For example, in the project “Geometry All Around Us,” students explored geometry’s applications in design and architecture, while “The Carbon Footprint of My City” involved calculating industrial emissions to propose solutions for pollution. Such initiatives have fostered critical thinking, teamwork, and an appreciation of mathematics as a tool for understanding the world. 

His innovation extends to his “Levels of Learning” program, a gamified teaching method encouraging resilience and problem-solving. Students advance through levels of complexity, culminating in “boss levels” where they tackle projects requiring interdisciplinary knowledge, such as designing eco-friendly classrooms or assessing their school’s carbon footprint. This dynamic approach has transformed his classroom into an engaging space that equips students with skills for the workplace and society. 

Andreja’s teaching results are remarkable. His students consistently outperform municipal, district, and national averages in mathematics assessments, and his mentorship has helped them win over 50 regional and national math competition prizes. Many of his students have gone on to study at prestigious universities worldwide, a testament to his ability to instill confidence and academic excellence. 

Beyond academics, Andreja has created a profound community impact. During the pandemic, he launched the YouTube channel “PROFA,” offering over 400 math lessons. It has garnered more than 4 million views, providing accessible education across the Balkans. As founder of citizen association “Mislimo Drugačije” (We Think Differently), he has championed initiatives including free textbooks, funds for gifted students, and environmental projects. These efforts have extended to the city parliament, where he advocates for infrastructure improvements and social programs, including cycling paths and an SOS helpline for domestic abuse victims. 

He is equally passionate about fostering global citizenship and sustainability, organizing international trips to expose students to diverse cultures and integrating climate change education into the curriculum. His projects, such as tree planting campaigns and workshops on ecological culture, empower students to become advocates for sustainability. 

In addition to classroom work, Andreja mentors fellow educators and is active in regional and international educational forums. Through workshops, presentations, and media appearances, he shares best practices, encourages lifelong learning, and advocates for systemic change in education. 

Andreja Pavlović exemplifies how teaching can transcend the classroom to create meaningful change. By combining academic rigor with community engagement and innovation, he has inspired his students to dream beyond their circumstances and equipped them with the tools to build a brighter future.