Choosing a school for your child is one of the key decisions for modern parents. Private and public institutions offer different approaches, programmes and conditions, and the main question is: what should you focus on? Teachers Artur Proydakov and Petro Sitek discussed this in the podcast ‘What about education?’
Values or proximity to home
‘For me, it is important that the school focuses on values and environment. This determines what kind of person the child will become in the future,’ emphasises Petro Sitek.
According to him, it is the atmosphere and principles of interaction that shape a student’s personality, not just their grades. Artur Proydakov adds: ‘Proximity is a decisive factor for kindergarten. But when it comes to school, I am willing to sacrifice time so that my child grows up in the right environment.’
How to verify the authenticity of values
Parents should pay attention not only to nice presentations or posts on the school’s social media. ‘It’s better to come and see how the institution works. Even the tone of voice of the cleaner or security guard at the entrance can say more than official documents,’ emphasises Proydakov.
Sitek recommends talking to other parents and students: their experience shows how well the school’s values are put into practice.
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Rules and discipline
Parents are often interested in what rules apply at school. Teachers advise focusing not so much on the rules themselves, but on how the institution responds to violations.
‘The question is not what rules you have, but what you do when they are broken,’ explains Artur Proydakov. In his opinion, it is important to not only show children what is forbidden, but also to give them the opportunity to rectify the situation and take responsibility.
Teacher salaries and the quality of education
One of the topics raised by the audience was the impact of salaries on teacher motivation.
‘I am in favour of teachers receiving high financial rewards. But it cannot be said that low salaries automatically mean low quality of education. It all depends on the people,’ emphasises Artur Proydakov.
Sitek adds: ‘Education is an investment. Those who provide it must be among the best in the country.’
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How to understand that your child is not overloaded
One of the most common concerns is the fear that school may place an excessive burden on the child. The only effective way is dialogue.
‘Talk to your children. They will tell you if they are struggling. Talk to the school as well. Constructive dialogue is the key to healthy learning,’ Proydakov believes.
Education for life
The last question asked of the hosts concerned how schools prepare children for life in the world.
‘Not all schools today prepare children for life. But it is important to look beyond grades and entrance exams. Practical skills — from writing essays to teamwork — are what will really come in handy,’ says Sitek.
Proydakov adds: ‘Values are like air in school. What does your child breathe during their studies? This shapes their future.’
In the previous episode of the podcast ‘What’s Up with Education,’ we talked about inclusion in Ukrainian schools. Have approaches to education changed over the past 25 years?
Read also: Podcast ‘What’s New in Education.’ Why psychological support for families of children with disabilities is becoming crucial
