Toronto, ON – May 18, 2025
The final day of the National Conference for Ukrainian Educators offered educators a powerful blend of global perspectives, mental health strategies, and innovative teaching tools to address the challenges of modern Ukrainian education—both in Canada and in the context of war.
The day opened with a guest presentation during breakfast by:
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Dr. Alan Cockerill (Monash University, Australia) and
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Nataliya Bezsalova (Toronto, Canada), titled:
“Vasyl Sukhomlynsky’s stories: educating the heart (in the context of a new English translation)” / «Оповідання Василя Сухомлинського: виховуючи серце»
Following this, keynote remarks were delivered by:
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Lyuba Lyubchyk, Chair of the Ukrainian World Congress International Educational Coordinating Council:
“Ukrainian Education in the World: Challenges and Prospects” -
Iryna Minkovska, Educational Center “Me and My School”
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Kateryna Molodyk, Reform Office, Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine:
“Education and War in Ukraine: Challenges, Solutions, Opportunities for Cooperation”
Participants then attended three workshop sessions, featuring presentations from experts across Canada and Ukraine:
Session 5 (10:00–10:45 AM)
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“Integrating mentoring texts with video lessons for a multimedia approach to teaching the Ukrainian language” — Vladyslav Hyzhyi and Lesia Hyzha, Edmonton, Canada
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“The history of Ukraine as a tool for forming national consciousness: how to teach students to see connections between the past and the present” — Yana Nechyporuk, Toronto, Canada
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“Differentiated instruction and gamification as tools for fostering critical thinking and financial literacy among Ukrainian language learners in an English-speaking environment: cultivating essential life skills” — Hanna Sokur, Ottawa, Canada
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“Modeling the trajectory of professional growth for educators is a great investment in the development of quality education in the community” — Oksana Kosovan, Chernivtsi, Ukraine
Session 6 (11:00–11:45 AM)
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“Tell me about a time when writing was good for you” — Olena Hartsula, Edmonton, Canada
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“New realities of working with teenagers. Attracting attention, motivation, involvement and teamwork are your keys to a successful lesson” — Vira Chmil, Toronto, Canada
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“Interaction with nature and outdoor activities in education as psycho-emotional support for children” — Victoria Ostrovska, Boyarka, Ukraine
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“Light up with life: preventing suicidal behavior in adolescents” — Olena Viediernikova, Kyiv, Ukraine
Session 7 (12:00–12:45 PM)
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“Using AI in Ukrainian Language and Literature Lessons: Practical Tips” — Svitlana Kolesnik, Kharkiv, Ukraine
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“The Reality of the New Digital World: Practical Media Literacy Tools for Schools” — Mariia Ostroha, Edmonton, Canada
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“Puppet Theater and theater in Ukrainian Language Lessons” — Liliya Sukhy, Edmonton, Canada
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“Challenges and strategies for involving parents in the educational process: creating effective communication between teachers and parents to support children in the process of learning the Ukrainian language” — Ira Perehinets and Nataliia Rozheliuk, Toronto, Canada
Closing Remarks (1:00–1:30 PM)
The conference concluded with a summary of outcomes presented by Oksana Levytska, followed by official closing remarks from Tetiana Sunak, Chair of the UCC National Ukrainian Education Council.
