The best educator of 2026 has been chosen in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

      On April 29, 2026, at 17:59 Society On April 29, the results of the regional stage of the All-Russian competition "Educator of the Year of Russia - 2026" were summarized in the Nizhny Novgorod region. The best specialist in the preschool education system was recognized as Irina Larina, an educator from Berezovsky Kindergarten No. 35 in the city of Arzamas. This year, the competition among kindergarten educators was held in the region for the ninth time and aimed at implementing the tasks of the national project "Youth and Children." The organizers of the competition were the Ministry of Education of the Nizhny Novgorod region and the Nizhny Novgorod Institute for the Development of Education. According to the ministry, a record number of educators from the region participated in the competition - over 400 people. In total, more than 13,700 specialists work in the field of preschool education in the Nizhny Novgorod region. The Minister of Education of the Nizhny Novgorod region, Mikhail Puchkov, reminded that at the initiative of the Minister of Education of Russia, Sergey Kravtsov, the year 2026 was declared the Year of Preschool Education in the country. Therefore, holding a professional competition among educators gains even more significance for enhancing the prestige of this profession. "The 'Educator of the Year of Russia' competition is a platform for the most creative and positive specialists, as it is educators who give children their first lessons in life, instill the main values - friendship, mutual assistance, and love for the Motherland, and introduce the younger generation to Russian traditions," said Mikhail Puchkov. The minister congratulated the leader of the regional stage of the competition on her well-deserved victory. "The winner of the regional stage, Irina Pavlovna, is a true professional who combines the necessary strictness, a creative approach, and kindness, along with a genuine love for children. I am confident that the Nizhny Novgorod region will be well represented at the all-Russian competition," he said. The regional Ministry of Education shared how the regional stage of the competition was conducted. In the distance part of the competition, from March 2 to March 24, participants presented video introductions. Then, from March 25 to April 16, three in-person rounds were held: educators demonstrated their professional skills in communication with students and their parents, as well as shared their unique methodologies. The final in-person competition of the regional stage took place at School No. 188 in Nizhny Novgorod. During the "Blitz Tournament," the contestants demonstrated teamwork skills, and during the "Educational Sprint," the educators solved pedagogical cases. "For me, the most interesting part was solving cases, as their themes are always different and make you experience various situations. I believe that all situations - from interacting with parents to contacting the kindergarten director - can be resolved if the employee has enough courage, depth of knowledge, and self-confidence. These qualities are also needed in the 'Educator of the Year of Russia' competition," shared her opinion Irina Larina. This year, a new nomination appeared in the regional stage of the competition - the "Audience Choice Award." This award was also won by Irina Larina. The final of the "Educator of the Year of Russia" competition will take place in September and will be divided into two rounds. The first round includes two competitive tasks: "Pedagogical Event with Children" and "Educational Event with Parents." The second round will feature 15 laureates from across the country. It will also consist of two tasks: "Professional Workshop" and "Blitz Tournament." Let us remind you that the national project "Youth and Children" is being implemented by the order of the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, and includes nine federal projects and programs: "Russia - a Country of Opportunities," "We Are Together," "Russia in the World," "Everything for Children," "Leading Schools," "Teachers and Mentors," "Creating a Network of Modern Campuses," "Universities for the Leaders of the Generation," and "Professionalism." NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on the main events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+