Celebrating International Teacher's Day

Today, on International Teacher's Day, Russian Language & Arts Charlotte celebrates the educators who devote their lives to teaching and nurturing the next generation. Our teachers share their knowledge with passion and talent, shaping young minds and hearts.

Teaching is more than a profession—it's a calling. Our teachers pour their energy, creativity, and love into every lesson, every interaction, every student who walks through our doors.

A Conversation with Tatiana Anatolyevna Aleynikova

We sat down with Tatiana Anatolyevna Aleynikova, one of our second-grade instructors, to learn about her journey in education.

Who influenced you most as an educator?

"I learned so much from Sheri Stewart, a mentor early in my career. From her, I learned kindness and how to build engaging educational stories from simple histories. She showed me that teaching is about connecting with each child as an individual."

Tatiana Anatolyevna holds degrees in early childhood education and elementary teaching from a university in the Caucasus region, bringing rich experience to her classroom.

What brings you the most joy in teaching?

"Children's eyes that constantly shine," she says without hesitation. "When a student finally understands something they've struggled with, when they get excited about a story or a new word—that moment of light in their eyes is the most gratifying aspect of this work."

What are the challenges of being a teacher?

She acknowledges that teaching isn't the most highly compensated profession. "But it's a calling," she explains. "It requires genuine heart. You can't fake caring about children—they know. And when you truly care, the rewards aren't measured in money."

What role should school play in a child's life?

"Schools should simultaneously teach and cultivate values," Tatiana Anatolyevna believes. At our Russian school, we emphasize character development alongside academics. "We're not just teaching Russian grammar—we're helping form young people who understand their heritage, respect their elders, and carry good values into the world."

Words of Wisdom

Tatiana Anatolyevna shared a quote from a renowned Russian pedagogue that guides her approach: "Learning should be voluntary and provide enjoyment rather than be forced." This philosophy shapes her classroom, where curiosity is encouraged and every question is valued.

Our Gratitude

To all our teachers at Russian Language & Arts Charlotte—thank you. Thank you for your patience when lessons need to be explained again. Thank you for your creativity in making Russian come alive. Thank you for seeing potential in every student and nurturing it with care.

To the parents who support our teachers, who help with homework at home, who reinforce what we teach in class—thank you for being partners in this mission.

Happy International Teacher's Day to educators everywhere, but especially to ours. You make this school what it is.

С Днём учителя!