Latvia's Teacher of the Year 2026 awards go to 13 educators and school teams
Awards "Latvian Teacher of the Year 2026" were presented in 13 categories at the University of Latvia's Great Hall. This year 109 nominations came in from across the country.
On Thursday, a ceremony at the Great Hall of the University of Latvia (LU) presented the "Latvian Teacher of the Year 2026" awards. Prizes were given in 13 categories: 11 for individual teachers and two for school teams. In total, 109 nominations were received from across Latvia this year.
Every laureate received the "Wings of Knowledge" award made by glass artist Anda Munkevica, as well as an Excellence Scholarship from LU and the company Mikrotīkls.
The ceremony was opened by President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs, who stressed the role of teachers in the country's future: "Without you, the state cannot exist." LU Rector Gundars Bērziņš noted that each nomination is a story created by pupils, parents and colleagues, and that a good teacher encourages children to ask questions and not to fear mistakes.
Individual winners
- preschool: Ilona Eisaka, Pīlādzītis preschool in Krāslava municipality;
- primary education: Baiba Šingereja, Rīga Fricis Brīvzemnieks Primary School;
- natural sciences: Dmitrijs Jemeļjanovs, Bauska State Gymnasium;
- mathematics: Māra Ieleja, Limbaži Secondary School;
- technology: Ketija Kismane, Ventspils Secondary School No. 4;
- cultural awareness and artistic expression: Ļevs Rusilo, Riga Distance Learning Secondary School and Riga Juglas Secondary School;
- sport and health: Ineta Smilškalne, Līvāni Secondary School No. 1;
- history: Ingūna Irbīte, Cēsis State Gymnasium (Draudzīgais Aicinājums);
- social studies: Daiga Rudzīte, Limbaži Secondary School;
- foreign language: Aļina Rižikova, Riga Secondary School No. 71;
- Latvian language and literature: Guna Vīlipa, Riga Purvciems Secondary School.
School teams
In the "School support team" category the winner was Daugavpils Opportunity Secondary School, while the school management team award went to the leadership of Druva Secondary School.
The award is presented by LU and the LU Foundation in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science for the third year. The initiative is supported by the companies Mikrotīkls and Lightguide.
