KFU’s Albina Valieva awarded as Best Tatar Language and Literature Teacher of 2024
She is employed by the University’s Qayum Nasyri Institute, an entity specializing in the popularization of Tatar language and culture.
As the winner admitted, she had no idea about the existence of the contest. After presenting an open lesson to representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tatarstan at school No. 1186 in Moscow, where Albina Valieva now works, the Ministry officials noted her approach to children and teaching and invited her to participate in the contest.
“I have not participated in such competitions before. But the school principal inspired me to apply and gave me confidence. It was her belief in my victory that gave me strength,” Valieva shared.
A total of 152 teachers from all over the country joined the competition. They had to conduct an open lesson, a master class, a class hour, a pedagogical workshop, and in the final round they had to answer questions from the Minister of Education and Science of Tatarstan Ilsur Khadiullin, parents, journalists and students.
“I was confident in my victory. I was very much looking forward to it and prepared a lot. Of course, there were some difficulties and shortcomings. When they gave me the award, I didn’t believe in it, the realization comes only now,” the triumphant said.
Valieva graduated from the Institute of Philology and Intercultural Communication of Kazan Federal University, and now works as a methodologist and teaches Tatar language at QNI, which is currently located in Moscow.
In addition to the school and KFU, Valieva is an employee of the Tatar Ethnic Cultural Autonomy of Moscow, the Shigabutdin Marjani Center for Islamic Culture and Education, and the Tatar cultural and educational center in Pushkin.
“In addition to teaching Tatar at all these organizations, I lead various projects and events. For example, I am the host of Chiklәvek, the first intellectual quiz in Tatar language. I have been leading the project since 2019 – I compose and translate questions for the game,” Valieva added.
In addition, the young woman also leads a Tatar literary club and organizes meetings with Tatar language writers. Last year, she also tried herself as a cartoon scriptwriter.
Valieva noted that she started to be active and participate in various competitions at secondary school. She has also won poetry and photo contests. However, this victory was a first for her.
“I have been also marked by letters of thanks from the State Duma of the Russian Federation, the World Congress of Tatars, the Ministry of Youth Affairs Tatarstan, and many others. There are even a couple of medals,” the educator added.
In the future, Valieva wants to continue teaching and learn the basics of journalism to become a Tatar-speaking media worker. She also plans to continue working on language and cultural issues in the Russian capital.