Olga Alexandrovna Usatova - Winner of the Republican Contest \"Best University Teacher of the Year 2023\"

At the end of last year, the winners of the "Best University Teacher - 2023" contest, organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, were announced. The Republican contest committee conducted a thorough selection among 768 candidates from 80 higher education institutions in the country. 150 teachers from 43 Kazakhstani universities emerged as winners. Among them were two teachers from Energo University (Almaty University of Power engineering and Telecommunications named after Gumarbek Daukeyev).

Today, we introduce you to one of the winners - Olga Alexandrovna Usatova, PhD in Information Security, Associate Professor, teacher at the Department of Cybersecurity of the Institute of Automation and Information Technologies. Olga Alexandrovna has been working at our university since 2021. She teaches disciplines such as "IT Project Management," "Comprehensive Security of Information Technologies and Systems," "Information Security Technologies," "Standardization and Certification of Information Security Means." She is the author and co-author of more than 90 scientific articles.

Throughout her life, Olga Alexandrovna continues to learn and passes on the knowledge, love, and interest in the disciplines she teaches to students. Today, she answers our questions.

Why did you choose the teaching profession?

The teaching profession attracts me with the opportunity to share my experience and knowledge, influence the future of technologies through educating future specialists, enjoy the process of learning and self-development, explore new areas in technologies, and contribute to society by preparing qualified professionals.

What is the most interesting thing about teaching?

The most interesting part of teaching is the opportunity to observe how knowledge comes to life in the minds of students, to see moments of understanding and realization. It inspires deep reflection and new discoveries both for the students and myself personally. Teaching offers me a unique chance to continually learn, encountering diverse ideas and perspectives, which enriches my personal and professional experience.

Your philosophical principles of teaching?

They are based on the belief that learning is a joint journey of the teacher and student, where mutual respect, openness to new ideas, and readiness for change take central place. I believe that every student has a unique potential that can be developed through an individualized approach, support, and encouragement of critical thinking. Education should not only convey knowledge but also inspire continual self-improvement, cultivate curiosity, and facilitate the development of skills necessary for successful adaptation in an ever-changing world. In this context, I see the role of the teacher not as a bearer of absolute truth but as a mentor who develops students' abilities for independent learning, critical evaluation of information, and practical application of knowledge.

What is most important in working with students?

The most important thing in working with students is establishing trusting relationships and creating a supportive, inspiring learning environment that fosters their intellectual, personal, and professional growth. It's important to recognize the uniqueness of each student, their needs and abilities, and to adapt teaching approaches to maximize the learner's potential.

Mentorship, support, and encouragement of critical thinking and independent learning play a key role in building students' confidence in their abilities and capacity to solve complex problems. A constant effort to update one's knowledge and teaching methods, as well as readiness for open communication and feedback, strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation, making the educational process more effective and fruitful.

What advice would you give to young teachers?

I would advise young teachers to always remain open to new teaching methods and technologies, not be afraid to experiment and find their unique teaching style. It is important to strive to build trusting relationships with students, to listen to them attentively, and respond to their needs, as this fosters a mutually respectful and supportive learning environment.

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