AMBASSADORS
FOR EDUCATIONAL EQUITY

LEADERSHIP PATHWAYS

As of 2021, more than 80% of our alumni continue to work in the field of education, either as teachers, school leaders, education management, or a mission-related field. 

HIGHLIGHTS

ANUSHIK MELKONYAN

Before applying to "Teach For Armenia", Anushik was a science and art teacher at the "Smart Start” International Preschool in Armenia. Within the framework of the Two-year Leadership Program, Anushik taught chemistry and biology in Lernarot, a community of Aragatsotn marz.

“Thanks to Teach For Armenia, I had an unforgettable experience, which left a very important mark on my personal development, acquiring new qualities and becoming more established as a professional. After the program, I participated in the “Step Towards Home” program alongside other amazing alumni, which was an indescribable experience with Diaspora Armenian teenagers. In 2018, I founded the company “Green Construction”, which deals with interior and exterior landscaping. The main focus is the moss imported from the Scandinavian countries, which live for about 10 years without care. By the way, Teach For Armenia was one of my first clients.”

KNARA TER-HOVHANNISYAN

Before applying to the Teach For Armenia program, Knara studied at the Russian-Armenian University in the faculty of social-cultural service and tourism. After graduating, she worked at the "Folk Art Hub" educational and cultural foundation as a restorer of antique carpets and rugs. As a Teach For Armenia Teacher-Leader, she taught Russian language and literature in Koghes village in the Lori region.

“During the Program, I taught Russian in Koghes village. It was my first time living in a rural community, and I saw how hard-working my neighbors were. From very early in the morning to very late at night, they would toil for very little money. In Armenia, people often think that people from the villages are lazy, and I witnessed how very wrong this assumption is. After teaching, I became the CEO and Founder of Zardeni, a project that is incubated by Teach For Armenia’s Social Innovation Incubator. Through Zardeni, we are teaching students from rural communities how to grow edible flowers that can be marketed to Yerevan’s growing upscale food scene. Through this ecological entrepreneurship program, we aim to teach students and their communities how to generate greater income by accessing new markets.”

After completing the program, Knara worked at the Shirakatsi Lyceum, e-School Armenia distance learning project of KTAK, and the State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports of Armenia. In 2020, she applied to Teach For Armenia's Káits Social Innovation Incubator with the idea of founding “Zardeni.”

VARDAN HOVAKIMYAN

Before joining the Teach For Armenia program, Vardan studied at the State Pedagogical University of Armenia. During the Program, he taught mathematics, algebra, geometry, physics, and informatics. Immediately after completing the program, he joined the Associates Program for Nonprofit Management through which he supports Teach For Armenia’s Data and Impact Manager. At the same time, he continues to teach in Tsaghkashat village of the Lori region.

“On one hand, the Associates Program has equipped me with new knowledge and experience, especially when it comes to managing large sets of student and teacher performance data. At the same time, I am helping the organization with its data collection and analysis. It’s a win-win for both me and the organization.”

VENERA ABOVYAN

Before joining Teach Armenia, Venera worked as a chemistry and biology teacher at Dzoragyugh and then at Dilijan Central School. Through the Program with Teach For Armenia, she taught chemistry and biology in the Shamiram community of the Aragatsotn region.

“During the Program, I developed my skills to work in a team and to plan my work while improving my management skills. Meanwhile, I expanded my network, which later helped me to solve various problems. I consider the years of Teach For Armenia’s Program to be the springboard for my career. These two years have provided me with the necessary resources to be a better leader."

She currently works as a principal in Alaverdi. At the same time, she works at Teach For Armenia Foundation as a Course Designer and Evaluator. Venera is also involved in the Gitserund program. Starting in September 2022, Venera’s school will be joining the Seroond network through a three-year transformation program.

BIAYNA AMIRJANYAN

Before joining Teach For Armenia, Biayna studied at the Yerevan State University in the faculty of International Relations. After graduating she worked as an administrator at Avanta Aesthetic Medicine Center. During the Program, she taught geography as well as social sciences in Katnarat village of the Lori region.

"The Program gave me the conviction that with hard and persistent work it is quite possible to initiate changes on our own, even with the least resources."

After having completed the program, Biyana has been involved in policy development programs aimed at improving the professional development of teachers in the country. In particular, through the "YES" Armenia program, a "Voluntary Teacher Certification" program was developed jointly with the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports. Later, through a partnership between the Asian Development Bank and the government of Armenia, Biayna supported projects focused on"Teachers’ Standards" and "Teachers’ Professional Development Ways,” the provisions of which were included in the draft amendments to the law on general education. Biayna also led a program launched by Teach For Armenia in partnership with UNICEF aimed at building teacher capacity and community development initiatives. Biyana is currently involved in a program dedicated to human rights. In particular, she advocates for the protection and awareness of the rights of people with disabilities.