Mentoring forms a core part of the seamless education model being rolled out in Kuzbass, a program highlighted by regional leader Sergei Tsivilev during a high-level discussion about elevating the role and prestige of teachers and mentors. The event took place at a State Council gathering presided over by the president of Russia, with a focus on aligning educational practices with the country’s strategic priorities.
In his remarks, the president underscored how mentors help shape the worldview and civic outlook of young people. The emphasis was on reviving long-standing educational traditions, drawing on the strengths of both pre-revolutionary and Soviet educational legacies to enrich what students learn in schools, universities, polytechnics, and colleges. The aim is to bolster national sovereignty through enhanced learning quality and the integration of advanced technologies into teaching processes.
Tsivilev noted that Kuzbass is building a robust pipeline of qualified professionals by engaging learners at the earliest stages. A comprehensive support system for young educators exists to attract capable, forward-thinking specialists to classrooms across the region. The governor highlighted a targeted program encouraging mentors to relocate to rural schools, which has led to a notable rise in applicants for teaching positions compared with the previous year.
As part of this initiative, a recognition program honored educators who transitioned to rural settlements within Kuzbass, awarding certificates valued at one million rubles to a cohort of teachers. The program, already in place, demonstrates the region’s commitment to strengthening education in less populated areas and ensuring that high-quality teaching resources reach every corner of the region.
Additionally, the regional legislation on education was expanded to include provisions that reward teachers who train students for national competitions. Beginning next year, substantial financial incentives will be provided to winners of the All-Russian School Olympiad, with different prize amounts allocated to first and second places, reinforcing the importance of academic excellence on a national stage.
Regional policy also extends direct support to teachers who reside and work in the region’s villages, workers’ settlements, and small urban centers. They receive full compensation for living costs, including housing, heating, and electricity. The program includes housing opportunities, such as a set of apartments aimed at young professionals, with favorable terms designed to help new teachers settle in. The intent is to enable faculty to stabilize their lives and work toward home ownership or mortgage readiness within five years, by reducing daily living costs and easing the transition to permanent housing.
In Kuzbass, a dedicated Mentoring School operates to foster professional growth among early-career teachers. More than seven hundred experienced practitioners contribute their knowledge and strategies, creating a vibrant community where new educators can learn practical methods, share classroom challenges, and adopt effective mentoring habits that benefit students across the region. This ecosystem reinforces the region’s commitment to cultivating a resilient, high-quality educational workforce that supports long-term regional development. (Source attribution: Kuzbass regional leadership and policy briefings.)