Serbia’s Enlightener Teacher Prize Strengthens National Recognition for Educators

The Serbian Teacher Prize Enlightener (Просветитељ), launched in 2024 by Professor Dr. Aleksandar Kavčić and organised by the Alek Kavčić Foundation, is celebrating the growing recognition of outstanding educators across Serbia. The prestigious national award honours exceptional teachers, educators and instructors while raising awareness of the vital role the teaching profession plays in the country’s development.

Candidates for the Enlightener Prize take part in a rigorous multi-stage selection process involving workshops and evaluation by an expert jury. From an initial group of nominees, 24 candidates are shortlisted, followed by 12 semifinalists who demonstrate outstanding pedagogical expertise, leadership and innovation. These semifinalists participate in the Spring Workshop in Belgrade, where they share teaching practices and demonstrate their professional competencies before four finalists are selected. 

The Award Ceremony was held on October 9, 2025, at the Palace of Science in Belgrade. At this event, the teacher documentary films were shown, followed by the announcement of the competition winners: Professor Predrag Jovanović, the Winner, Professor Danka Kovačević, the Audience Award recipient, and Professor Ivan Ivić, the Honorary award recipient for lifetime achievement in the field of education.

Over 150 guests attended the event, including most of the semi-finalists and finalists from the first season of the prize. After the formal part of the ceremony the attendees had the opportunity to socialise, network, and visit the exhibition space of the Palace of Science over a celebratory reception.

Grand Prize - Predrag Jovanović, accordion professor, Music School Niš

Finalists

• Branislava Marjanović, educator, JPU “Pčelica”, Niš

• Jasminka Olić Ilčešin, Serbian language and literature teacher, “Žarko Zrenjanin” Highschool,

• Predrag Starčević, teacher, “Jovan Jovanović Zmaj” Elementary School, Pančevo

• Predrag Jovanović, accordion professor, Music School Niš

Audience Award

• Danka Kovačević, English language and literature teacher, “Užička Gimnazija” Highschool,

Semifinalists

• Branislava Marjanović, educator, JPU "Pčelica", Niš

• Snežana Nikolić, typhlopedagogue, "Milan Petrović" Elementary and Highschool, Novi Sad

• Zvonimirka Jovičić, teacher, "Moša Pijade" Elementary School, Žagubica

• Predrag Starčević, teacher, "Jovan Jovanović Zmaj" Elementary School, Pančevo

• Mira Simeunović, Russian language teacher, “12 Beogradska Gimnazija” Highschool, Belgrade

• Atila Arpaš, mathematics and computer science teacher, "Šamu Mihalj" Elementary School,

Bačko Petrovo Selo

• Jasminka Olić Ilčešin, Serbian language and literature teacher, "Žarko Zrenjanin" Highschool,

Vrbas Užice

• Slobodan Miljković, sociology teacher, Gymnasium in Kosovska Kamenica

• Danilo Kovač, history and Latin teacher, JU Gymnasium in Banja Luka

• Danka Kovačević, English language and literature teacher, “Užička Gimnazija” Highschool,

• Predrag Jovanović, accordion teacher, Music School Niš

• Filip Uskoković, coach, Sports and Recreation Association "Feniks", Novi Sad

Learn more about the Serbian Teacher Prize Enlightener (Просветитељ)