In an annual display tied to Teacher’s Day, classmates gave heartfelt thanks to educators who shaped their paths. A large-scale look at more than ten thousand messages reveals that over 30 percent of graduates remember their first teacher with striking clarity, a finding shared by the social network’s press service. The gratitude centers on the early bonds formed, the guidance offered, and the lasting impact of those initial lessons.
Across Russia, graduates highlighted the first teachers who opened doors to knowledge and sparked a lifelong curiosity. They spoke of patient mentorship, a deep love for the craft, and the everyday dedication that teachers bring to the classroom. The appreciation touched multiple disciplines, with language and literature teachers earning notable recognition for introducing culture and literacy, and algebra teachers cited for inspiring a passion for numbers. The respect extended to educators of rhetoric, statistics, and astronomy as well, demonstrating a broad appreciation for the diverse subjects that shape a student’s worldview.
The most common threads in these messages were thanks for knowledge gained, the perseverance teachers showed, and the warm memories of school life. Recipients were praised for their professionalism, the guidance that helped students reach their best, and the practical life lessons that still echo years later.
OK’s analysis found that graduates remember teachers distinctly not just by words but by images too. About one in three thank-you notes named the teacher directly. In addition, more than nine in ten graduates shared photos of their teachers and classmates to accompany the express gratitude, a visual snapshot of that formative period.
Messages traveled from across the country, with notable emphasis from major cities. Moscow, Volgograd, Omsk, Rostov-on-Don, and Novosibirsk produced a significant share of the heartfelt notes, underscoring how teachers leave an imprint that travels far beyond their classrooms. The volume of congratulatory messages from these hubs reflected the enduring reverence for educators in urban centers as well as rural communities.
This movement marks one of the most substantial updates to the platform in recent years, underscoring the community’s commitment to celebrating teachers and the lasting value of their everyday contributions. The sentiment echoes the universal belief that great teaching is a lasting gift—an encouragement to students to pursue knowledge with curiosity and resilience. The Priceless Lesson initiative demonstrates that gratitude can travel as far as the memories formed inside a classroom, resonating with people in North America who recognize the same timeless dynamics in their own schools.