On Friday, December 13, a thank-you event was held at Fotografiska, where 20 physics and chemistry teachers received certificates for completing the “Lae End” educational program, along with a financial reward equal to the average monthly salary of a teacher. Enefit, LHV, ABB, Nordecon, Fermi Energia, and Metrosert launched the “Lae End” program three years ago to support the teaching of natural sciences.

“Estonia’s success is based on high productivity and a high-tech economy. These begin with quality education that develops young people’s knowledge, creativity, and skills to meet future challenges. Natural science teachers lay the foundation for this. The “Lae End” program is an excellent example of how companies can support teachers so that inspiring role models stand before students,” said Aigar Vaigu, Chairman of Metrosert.

Two major concerns in teaching natural sciences are the lack of student interest and the shortage of teachers.

“The program organizers conducted a survey among 286 primary school students about natural science teaching. The results showed that students highly value the teachers’ ability to explain topics and connect them to real life. Learning becomes difficult due to unclear teaching materials and an abundance of calculation tasks. We believe that “Lae End” will help alleviate these issues. Perhaps in the future, one of these inspired students will become a teacher, engineer, or scientist,” said Kadri Kiisel, Chairwoman of LHV Bank.

“The educational program proves itself more and more each year. In three years, 308 teachers have been nominated for the program. We started with training physics teachers only, and this year, we doubled the number of participants by including chemistry teachers. In the future, we hope to expand into mathematics as well. While we cannot put a price tag on teaching, we motivate participants with a 13th-month salary,” said Kristjan Kuhi, Member of the Board at Eesti Energia.

From August to December, during the training period, teachers visited the companies supporting the project, discussed topics such as ICT tools and inclusive education, shared teaching tips, and participated in community evenings.

Maimu Torn-Kallion, a teacher at Kohila Gymnasium, stated that the program gives teachers new energy and knowledge to bring into the classroom. “It’s also important to meet with others in the same field and exchange ideas. Visits to companies have helped connect teaching to real life. Links and practical tasks are what truly help with learning and spark interest,” added Maimu Torn-Kallion.

In the first two years, 46 educational videos were created as part of the “Lae End” program, covering primary school physics lessons. In the spring, 15 more educational videos on 7th-grade science topics will be released. The videos are available on the Videoõpsi YouTube channel for everyone. Schools participating in the program are also now richer with modern Praktikal science experiment kits.

The third cohort of the “Lae End” program graduated with teachers Anna Perova from Pelgulinna Gymnasium, Elve Mäekivi from Lagedi School, Enelin Olesk from Ilmatsalu Primary School, Geidi Mitt from Kindluse School, Greta Varb from Põlva School, Gretel Maidre from Toila Gymnasium, Ihor Verkhohliad from Vabaduse School, Kädi Koppel fromC.R. Jakobson Torma Primary School, Karoliina Tõnisson fromJärveotsa Gymnasium, Kati Kümnik from Kiltsi Manor School, Kristo Markus Soika from Jakob Westholm Gymnasium, Larissa Žarkova from Narva Eesti Gymnasium, Maarika Vällik from Tabivere Primary School, Maimu Torn-Kallion from Kohila Gymnasium,  Marili Uluots from Tartu ProTERA Private School, Martin Saar from Tallinna Realgümnaasium and Gustav Adolf Gymnasium,  Merle-Kairit Toom from Rannu School,  Peeter Jõeloo from Tartu Forseliuse School, Raimo Maasik  from Rakvere Primary School and Rakvere State Gymnasium, and Triinu Vohu from Kihnu School.

The partners of the “Lae End” educational program include Praktikal, Videoõps, the Estonian Physics Society, and the Estonian Chemistry Teachers’ Association. More information about the program can be found at www.laeend.ee.