Vēsma Poplavska, a teacher and deputy principal at Rēzekne State Gymnasium No. 1, speaks about her work at school with genuine warmth. Becoming a teacher has been her dream since the third grade, when she was inspired by her own class teacher and mathematics teacher. That dream has grown into more than 30 years of work in education, 23 of them at Rēzekne State Gymnasium No. 1. Today, she not only teaches computer science and is involved in the school’s administration, but also actively contributes to professional experience-sharing among teachers, shares her knowledge with colleagues and emphasises the importance of professional support in teachers’ work today.
It is working with young people, she says, that constantly encourages teachers to develop and keep up with change.
“My students are what motivates me most. Every day at school is different, and you can never fully predict what awaits you. In fact, you need to go into every lesson with both Plan A and Plan B in your pocket,” says Vēsma.
In her view, working with young people prevents teachers from becoming stuck in their ways – they have to constantly keep up with the times, new trends and changes in the way young people think.
Vēsma emphasises that today’s young people are a generation of the digital world – they learn to use technology quickly, navigate the flow of information with ease and often think differently from adults. This means teachers cannot stand on the sidelines – they need to be active and continuously develop their knowledge of new technologies, including those related to artificial intelligence (AI). Although some teachers remain cautious about using AI at school, Vēsma is convinced that it can be a useful tool when used thoughtfully.
The fact that teachers today also have to consider issues such as the use of AI in the learning process, she believes, clearly demonstrates just how much the teaching profession has changed in recent years. In the past, a teacher could often rely on a single textbook and a relatively clearly defined way of working. Today, digital platforms, various technological tools, vast amounts of information and the constant need to adapt to change have become part of teachers’ everyday work. On the one hand, this opens up far greater opportunities in the learning process; on the other, it also brings greater workload and responsibility.
“There is so much information. Both teachers and students need to understand which information is accurate and useful. Critical thinking is one of the biggest challenges today. We have to teach students how to evaluate information, understand whom they can trust and how to use technology wisely. And there are also so many different guidelines for the learning process,” Vēsma emphasises.
It is precisely in response to challenges like these that Latvia is currently developing a unified professional support system for teachers. Its aim is to strengthen teachers’ professional skills, promote the exchange of experience and provide methodological support at national, municipal and school level. The system includes various professional development activities, the work of national subject-methodology experts, consultations, seminars and practical support, helping teachers navigate changes in education and the ever-growing volume of information.
Vēsma acknowledges that such professional support is particularly important for teachers today, which is why she herself is happy to share her knowledge with colleagues and participate in various professional development initiatives.
“For a modern teacher, it is no longer enough simply to know their subject well. That is why it is so valuable to see how colleagues work not only in a neighbouring school, but also in another city or municipality. I also believe it is very important that teachers have opportunities simply to meet, ask questions, share experiences and learn from one another. Online seminars and consultations are valuable too, because any teacher can join and receive the support they need. This kind of cooperation helps teachers feel that they are not alone in facing their challenges,” says Vēsma.
In teachers’ professional lives, she believes, support from colleagues is also extremely important. When colleagues are helpful, willing to listen and ready to offer support, teachers – including those who are new to the profession – are much more likely to remain in teaching for the long term. This is why she speaks proudly of her current workplace, Rēzekne State Gymnasium No. 1, where deliberate efforts have been made to ensure that teachers can approach the school leadership with ideas and questions, share experiences and work together to find solutions to everyday challenges.
At the same time, she does not hide the fact that even in a supportive environment, teaching is emotionally demanding and requires a significant personal commitment. Vēsma believes that society does not always fully appreciate how much responsibility, communication and work outside classroom hours the teaching profession actually involves.
“A teacher is only human, too,” she reminds us.
Teachers often face expectations that they will be available at any time, but educators also need time for themselves. Vēsma encourages parents to place greater trust in teachers and, when problems arise, to first discuss them directly with the teacher.
At Rēzekne State Gymnasium No. 1, it is not only teachers who are active – students are too. The school has two student councils, one for younger and one for older students. Elections for the student council president are held, students organise sports events, take part in the city’s youth council and participate in entrepreneurship activities. All of this once again demonstrates that a school is not merely a place of learning, but a living community.
At the end of the conversation, Vēsma Poplavska wishes all her colleagues strength and patience, emphasising that in teaching, it is essential to remain humane, engaged and willing to keep learning oneself.
“Working at a school does not let you become stuck in your ways. You are constantly surrounded by young people, and you have to keep up with what is happening in the world, in technology and in society. It requires a lot of energy, but at the same time it gives a great deal back. Teaching is not just a profession – it is a way of life,” she says.
Information on the support measures available in September under the project “Development of a Professional Support System for Teachers”.
We invite you to join the teachers’ digital rooms on the skolo.lv learning platform. The digital rooms provide a space where teachers and education institution leaders in general and vocational education can find up-to-date and relevant information, useful resources, discuss topics, share experiences, ask questions and receive the answers they need.
This story was produced with support from EU funds.
