Volodymyr Pererva is a 2021–2023 Teach for Ukraine Fellowship alumnus and currently the principal of Secondary School No. 62 in Lviv. A history teacher by profession, he previously worked as a TV host and project editor at “Suspilne Lviv.” In 2021, he joined the Teach for Ukraine Fellowship program and began teaching at Kalynivka Academic Lyceum in the Kyiv region.
During his time in the program, Volodymyr developed student self-governance within the Kalynivka community, organized a debate tournament for students in Lviv, and later replicated it within the community itself. After completing the program in 2023, he became director of the Kalynivka Community’s Center for Youth Development. In 2024, he was appointed principal of Secondary School No. 62 in Lviv.
In 2024–2025, Volodymyr launched a mentoring initiative called “Speak Up or Stay Silent”, aimed at supporting students in grades 9–11. After completing the project, those mentees became mentors to younger students in grades 5–8. Under his leadership, the school also joined the Tutoring Catch-Up Centres: Overcoming Learning Losses in Emergencies initiative.
On falling in love with teaching, in Volodymyr’s own words:
My love story with teaching actually began on television. There was a time when I was filming a lot about education.
It was summer, and I had this random thought — maybe I should just try teaching for myself.
I found a vacancy at Lyceum No. 66, contacted the principal, and learned I needed to come for an interview that same day. I ended up applying immediately.
Sometimes I’d return to work in television, walking into the studio with stacks of student notebooks and contour maps. The whole crew would help me check them. They, too, became part of my teaching story. I worked in television for another year before Teach for Ukraine appeared in my life.”
On his Teach for Ukraine Fellowship journey:
At first, I wasn’t ready to leave Lviv. I filled out the application just to give it a shot — I wasn’t sure I’d follow through.
I passed all the selection stages, and then we were invited to an offline training in Kharkiv for two weeks.
After that, it was time to decide.
I returned to Lviv — it was just before I was due on air, with makeup on — and got a notification from Teach for Ukraine: I had been selected. The message also included the name of the placement school.
I started packing. Then the principal of Kalynivka Lyceum called and said, ‘I’d like you to be the homeroom teacher for 10th grade.’ I agreed.
It felt right. At their graduation, the class gave me a large cube-like puzzle made of our shared photos, along with little quotes of mine they had remembered.
To me, a homeroom teacher is someone who truly dedicates time to their students — not just in class, but beyond. That’s when they come to you, share what’s on their hearts. Each student was a universe of their own.
I loved them deeply — they are very special people to me.
On becoming a principal:
On August 20th, I was appointed director of the Youth Development Center. These institutions function differently — they focus on children’s talents. I eventually adjusted to the role but continued monitoring vacancies in Lviv. That’s how I came across the opening at School No. 62 and decided to apply.
I took a leave from work, went to Lviv, and submitted my documents. Later, I returned for the actual competition.
It had three stages: a knowledge test on education law, a situational task, and a presentation of a development strategy.
I managed to win the competition.
You can initiate change yourself — or support others in doing so.
A teacher isn’t just someone who delivers dry facts. A teacher must create the desire in students to learn.
It’s so important for us as educators to understand that we’re not just relaying textbook content.
