Rustam Minnikhanov and Ilsur Metshin unveil Teacher monument in Kazan

On September 18, the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin and veterans of the teaching profession unveiled the monument to the Teacher, which was installed in the newly established Teacher Square next to the new Teachers’ House. The project was designed by the People’s Artist of Tatarstan Farit Valiullin. The composition features three bronze figures — a teacher, a schoolgirl and a schoolboy — as well as a column with a book on a granite pedestal.

Minnikhanov emphasized that the monument was unveiled on the eve of Teachers’ Day, a celebration honoring everyone who has devoted their lives to this important profession.

“Family and teachers are the most important things in every person’s life. Our competitiveness depends on the quality of education. Schoolchildren from Tatarstan achieve outstanding results at national and international academic competitions. Behind every such achievement is the daily, dedicated work of a teacher,” the Rais of Tatarstan said.

Ilsur Metshin thanked the regional authorities for supporting the project.

“This is a tribute to our dear teachers. We value your challenging work and are proud of your achievements. You are entrusted with what is most precious — our children,” the Mayor of Kazan said.

Following the unveiling ceremony, Rustam Minnikhanov visited the new Teachers’ House, which opened in September. It has become a unique platform for developing teachers’ professional skills. Reconstruction of the historic building, constructed in 1900, began in 2024.

The facility serves as a headquarters for professional teaching communities and provides a space for training, sharing experience and discussion, as well as for teachers to relax and socialize. Its activities will focus on four key areas: the Leadership Center, the Teaching Workshop, the R&D Center and the HR Center.

Rustam Minnikhanov met with participants of a Teaching Workshop dedicated to the professional legacy of a Soviet and Russian educator and Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences Mirza Ismailovich Makhmutov, whose 100th anniversary was commemorated this year.

The Rais of Tatarstan noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree establishing, for the first time at the national level, a special status for the teaching profession and introducing additional measures to support teachers. The Government of Tatarstan, in turn, is developing a concept for introducing additional support measures at the regional level.

The renovated two-story Teachers’ House includes a 140-seat conference hall, a 70-seat transformable hall for strategic sessions, workshops and project work, a 19-seat conference room, and a media studio for producing educational content, podcasts and online courses.

The facility is equipped with modern multimedia technology, including interactive panels, LED screens, audio and lighting systems and videoconferencing equipment.