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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends,

Happy anniversary of the Russian Academy of Education. For eight decades now, it has rightfully been the primary pedagogical science centre, and its activities are closely tied in with our country’s history.

The academy was founded in October 1943, just after the end of the heroic battle for Donbass when the Nazis were being pushed further west. The entire country, the whole nation had faith in Victory and were making plans for peaceful life and rebuilding factories, plants, cities, and villages.

In these circumstances, the newly established academy was tasked with making a genuine scientific breakthrough in education, and thus in the country’s development. To achieve this, it needed to consolidate the best domestic experience, the traditions of Russian education, and the most innovative approaches. It also needed to train teachers and mentors, and create advanced curricula and innovative teaching techniques.

Importantly, one of the world's strongest educational systems was created in our country. The credit for this achievement undoubtedly goes to the academy, among others. The tremendous contribution of school teachers and university professors to the realisation of the large-scale projects that propelled our country forward in the second half of the 20^th century should not be underestimated. They nurtured and raised generations of creators, builders, and hardworking people.

Undoubtedly, these achievements relied on a solid foundation and the rich legacy of many outstanding scientists and educators. Among them is Konstantin Ushinsky, whose 200^th birthday we celebrate this year. He said, “The school and teaching are all about the teacher.”

Today, we expect the Russian Academy of Education to provide substantial scientific support for teachers. Importantly, research in pedagogical sciences should be of a truly comprehensive, systematic, and interdisciplinary character. Specialists from various fields of knowledge should be involved in this research.

We must strive to do a better and more effective job using the potential of innovative technology to improve the quality of education and teacher training. In collaboration with Sirius and other advanced educational centres, we should continue to develop unique teaching techniques to reveal children's talents. Without a doubt, it is important to preserve and improve the best humanistic traditions of Russian pedagogical science. Our schools not only provided education, but also enlightened, nurtured, and aimed to ensure that pupils were driven by strong moral values in life, that they rose to their full potential as individuals, knew the history and culture of their people, and deeply loved their homeland.

It is symbolic that we are celebrating your anniversary during the Year of the Teacher and Mentor which is a sign of the particular focus of the state on matters of education and upbringing of the younger generation, to ensure that every child in our country receives proper education and succeeds in life.

I am confident that you will continue to make a significant contribution to achieving the critical goals for our country and society and strengthening our sovereign education system.

I wish you every success in this noble and worthy cause.

Once again, happy anniversary of the Russian Academy of Education.