INFORMATION PORTAL OF THE MARSHAL'S OFFICE OF THE KUJAWSKO-POMORSKIE Region IN TORUŃ

At the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Musical Theatre in Toruń, the best teachers and education staff from across the region received awards today (October 10) from Marshal Piotr Całbecki during the ceremonial celebrations of National Education Day. Among the awardees were, among others, Elżbieta Dąbkowska, honored with the title Education Leader, and Beata Mendry – the first-ever recipient of the Top Education Leader title. The ceremony was also attended by the President of the Regional Parliament, Elżbieta Piniewska, and Member of the Regional Executive Board, Marek Wojtkowski.

“Antoine de Saint-Exupéry once said: ‘If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks, but rather teach them to long for the vast and endless sea.’ And it is precisely for these dreams that you give young people that I would like to thank you – for teaching them to ask questions, not necessarily to seek immediate answers; for not explaining the world from beginning to end, but instead pointing out directions of thought; for walking not in front, nor behind – though you are leaders – but side by side. Because this is our role as teachers and educators. Let us stand beside young people,” said Regional Parliament President Elżbieta Piniewska.

“It is thanks to you that we can feel secure and optimistic about the future. Teaching is not a profession for everyone – you have to love it, identify with it, and take joy in your students’ successes. These are not easy times in which you work, so may your work bring you satisfaction as well as gratitude – the most beautiful reward for every teacher. The gratitude of a student, expressed through their progress, brings a joy and sense of fulfillment that cannot be replaced by anything else,” emphasized Marshal Piotr Całbecki, offering his best wishes for continued success and satisfaction in teachers’ work.

The Regional Self-Government organizes the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Education Leader competition every year, honoring the most creative and committed teachers in the region. This year, marking the 10th anniversary of the competition, for the first time the title of Top Education Leader was awarded, chosen from among previous laureates.

The celebrations of National Education Day are also an opportunity for the Regional Board to honor the best teachers and staff of educational institutions supervised by the Marshal’s Office.

This year’s Education Leader is Elżbieta Dąbkowska, a teacher of chemistry, mathematics, technology, IT, and safety education. For 38 years, she has inspired students to learn and pursue their passions. She has implemented original teaching programs, including Mathematics Around Us and Together for Memory and Homeland, which have brought measurable results. Her students have repeatedly become laureates and finalists of competitions in chemistry and mathematics.

The title of Top Education Leader 2025 went to Beata Mendry, principal of School Complex No. 19 in Bydgoszcz. The institution she leads carries out numerous innovative and international programs, including Erasmus+, eTwinning, and Laboratories of the Future. The school’s students regularly achieve success in subject competitions, and the laureate herself has been awarded, among others, the Minister of Education’s Award and the Gold Medal for Long Service.

The Special Marshal’s Award went to Michał Dąbkowski, principal of Stefan Banach High School No. X in Toruń, for creating a modern educational environment, fostering international cooperation, and launching Poland’s first diplomatic-profile class.

Beata Krzemińska
Spokesperson of the Marshal’s Office

October 10, 2025