An international project on vocational education reform has been launched in Zhytomyr with the participation of the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) and Tallinn University. The program will help teachers and managers of vocational institutions implement modern methodologies and develop leadership.

This new educational project with Estonia now involves Tallinn University — a modern and dynamic research center in Estonia.

The three-year program “Supporting the Reform of Ukraine’s Vocational Education System” for directors of vocational institutions, teachers, and education managers will provide an opportunity to study Estonia’s experience — from reforms to modern teaching methods and curriculum development.

A key focus is on practical skills and the ability to adapt innovative solutions to Ukrainian realities. Participants will be trained in the principles of the “School of the Future” program, which has been successfully implemented in Estonia. Notably, members of the expert group of this School authored an analysis of Estonia’s general education system, describing how, after regaining independence, the country created one of the most effective educational systems in Europe based on PISA results.

According to Professor Eve Eisenstadt of Tallinn University, the program emphasizes teaching methodologies and leadership in vocational education management. It focuses both on classroom practices and on changing approaches to teaching.

The program has several levels of work. The first level targets teachers, who will improve their teaching methods, master modern approaches, and learn to better design curricula. The second level involves institutional leadership, focusing on management in times of change: how to organize processes, monitor results, and assess the effectiveness of innovations. An additional component is the micro-diploma, which will allow teachers to undergo an intensive course in Estonia.

“Educational reform will only succeed if teachers continue to learn and develop — if they themselves become learners within the education system. To achieve this, we must create a supportive environment. Without strong leaders, reform will not be successfully implemented,” noted former Minister of Education and current member of the Riigikogu’s Committee on Culture, Liina Kersna.

The first stage of the program has already begun. Online seminars with teachers from three Zhytomyr vocational institutions are underway. Tomorrow, the Estonian side will meet with them to hear firsthand about the challenges they face and what is needed for meaningful change.

“Estonia supports Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. We also support you in strengthening your nation so you may succeed economically, spiritually, technically, and in many other areas. Education is a key element of this. Tallinn University is glad to share its expertise — and also its mistakes. At the university’s Senate level, a decision was made: cooperation with Ukrainian educational institutions is a priority,” said Tallinn University Rector, Professor Tõnu Viik.

Tallinn University representatives have taken on the monitoring role. They prepared a survey for Zhytomyr’s teachers about their challenges, experiences, and perspectives on the role of leadership in vocational education. This will help identify starting points to ensure that solutions are both useful and effective.

“Supporting Ukraine is one of Estonia’s clear priorities. Education is at the heart of this support. Educational reform is not only about new programs but also about developing an educational culture. We want to help create a student-centered system that meets the needs of the labor market,” emphasized ESTDEV’s Education Programs Manager, Kristi Kulu.

“Thanks to Estonia, our vocational institutions have gained a new development vector. We are opening training and practice centers, upgrading resources. The 2027 reform must be a success, and competition for admission to Zhytomyr’s vocational schools should be high,” said Secretary of Zhytomyr City Council, Halyna Shymanska.