Oleksandr Zhuk Named European Winner of 2025 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards!

Oleksandr Zhuk, a computer science teacher from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine and a 2020 Global Teacher Prize finalist, has been named the European regional winner of the prestigious 2025 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards. Organised by Cambridge University Press & Assessment, the global competition celebrates exceptional educators who make a lasting impact on their students and communities.

Oleksandr, who teaches at the Zaporizhzhia Special Comprehensive Boarding School "Dzherelo," stood out among more than 5,000 nominees from 101 countries. He is the first Ukrainian educator in the award's seven-year history to earn regional winner status. Judges recognised him for his innovative use of technology in teaching and his commitment to inclusive education for children with special needs.

With over 16 years of teaching experience, Oleksandr specialises in integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) disciplines to support students facing a variety of learning challenges. 

“This recognition is a great honour for me,” said Oleksandr. “But the real reward has always been the joy and progress I see in my students every day. Working with children who face unique challenges proves that with enough support and faith, every child is capable of the incredible. This award is not just mine — it belongs to my students, their families, and the entire educational community of Ukraine.”

As one of nine regional winners, Oleksandr will receive £500 worth of books for his classroom, a commemorative trophy, and will be acknowledged in upcoming Cambridge textbooks to be released in November 2025. He will also participate in the official awards ceremony.

 The overall global winner of the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards 2025 will be announced on May 21, reports Ukrainian dev.ua.

Congratulations, Oleksandr!

Read Ukrainian dev.ua article here 

Learn more about Oleksandr Zhuk here