"Teaching is a job for the future."

      On May 26, Anatoly Mikhailovich Churin turns 75. For almost half a century, his life has been connected with the education system of the Kirov region — from a rural school and working as a history teacher to leading the regional educational sphere.

      Behind these lines of biography are generations of students and teachers, dozens of schools, years of change, and significant work dedicated to the development of education in the region.

      In a conversation with us, Anatoly Churin recalls his childhood, the teachers who influenced his career choice, and reflects on the role of educators in modern society.

      — Anatoly Mikhailovich, what was your childhood like?

      — It was a difficult time. My father returned from the war disabled — he lost a leg. The family lived modestly, like many at that time. But we were raised with very clear life principles: to respect people, to work honestly, and to be responsible for our actions.

      My grandmother played a significant role. She was a wise and fair person. Many things are instilled in childhood — through family relationships and the example of elders.

      — Why did you choose the profession of a teacher?

      — There are professions that are chosen with the heart. Teaching is one of them. At that time, the school had people who were truly respected. For children, a teacher was a real authority.

      I loved history very much and always looked forward to the lessons with interest. My teachers also had a great influence on me. I still fondly remember the school principal Boris Georgievich Morgin, who taught history.

      That’s when I came to understand that school is much more than just a place where knowledge is given. — What has always been the most important thing in the education system?

      — People. Always people.

      We can discuss programs, reforms, new approaches, but the foundation of a school is still the personality of the teacher. If there is a strong teaching staff in the school, respect for children and for the profession — there will be results.

      — Over the decades of work, you have seen several eras. What, in your opinion, has changed the most?

      — The world has become much faster. Technologies have changed, the volume of information has increased, and the children themselves have become different. But there are things that remain unchanged.

      As before, the school needs a strong teacher — a person who can engage, explain, support, and be an example.

      — Today, there is a lot of talk about the prestige of the teaching profession. What do you think about this?

      — Respect for the teacher should be a natural state of society. Because it is the teacher who shapes the future of the country.

      This is a very challenging profession. It requires immense internal dedication. And people enter it out of calling.

      — For your family, the topic of education also remains important. Including through the "Elite of Education of the Kirov Region" award.

      — Yes, this is a very significant project for us. The idea arose as a desire to express respect for teachers who have worked in schools, colleges, and the system of additional education for decades.

      Society should know how to thank such people. Because behind every strong school, behind the successes of students, there is always the immense work of a teacher.

      — What would you like to say to young educators today?

      — The main thing is to love your work and respect children. A teacher always works for the future. This is where the special value of the profession lies.

      — And what is most important to you today?

      — To remain useful to my native land. It is very important for a person to understand that their work was needed by people.

      Biography

      Anatoly Mikhailovich Churin was born on May 26, 1951, in Kirov.

      In 1972, he graduated from the historical and philological faculty of the Kirov State Pedagogical Institute named after V.I. Lenin with a degree in "history and social studies teacher."

      He began his career as a history teacher at the Oparinskaya eight-year school in the Kirov region. From 1974, he worked as a teacher at the Kirov City Youth Labor School No. 8, and from 1978, he headed Secondary School No. 39.

      From 1980 to 1987, he served as the head of the Kirov First May District Department of Public Education, after which he became the deputy head of the regional department of public education.

      From January 1988 to June 2015, he headed the regional education management body of the Kirov region.

      Honored Teacher of the Russian Federation. Awarded the medal of the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" II class, and the Honorary Badge of the Kirov region "For Impeccable State Service."

      He is a co-founder of the public award "Elite of Education of the Kirov Region."