Presented the 60th Education Awards: "You are highlighting the importance of teaching in society"

The 60th annual awards for education were presented at the Brdo Congress Center near Kranj on October 21, 2026. Eleven individuals received recognition for their contributions to the Slovenian educational system, comprising five lifetime achievement awards and six prizes for exceptional accomplishments. Education Minister Borut Rončević and Boris Aberšek, chair of the award committee, handed over the honors to recipients representing preschools, primary schools, secondary schools, universities, special needs education, minority schooling, and the arts. The ceremony marked a day dedicated to highlighting the achievements of teachers and educators. Aberšek stated that the public should recognize that those who educate and raise children are an exceptionally vital part of society today and even more crucial shapers of future generations. He urged all attendees to acknowledge that the collective effort and enthusiasm of educators allow them to build the future of the entire community. This year’s call for nominations resulted in 25 proposals being submitted. However, the ministry noted that no candidates represented adult education, student dormitories, or Slovians living abroad. Consequently, the selection panel decided to distribute eleven awards across seven specific fields. Five recipients were honored for lifetime work in education. In the field of preschool education, the award went to Romana Epih. She was recognized for forty years of service during which she connected daily pedagogical practice with developmental leadership and broader professional influence in the sector. Mija Kordež, also known as Marija Kordež, received the lifetime achievement prize for primary education. Her career was devoted entirely to developing education in technical culture, natural sciences, logic, and systematic work with gifted youth, contributing significantly to influential solutions in these areas. Two individuals received lifetime achievement awards for secondary education. Ciril Dominko was cited for his creative impact on the development of Slovenian secondary schooling through teaching physics, working with gifted students, organizing physics competitions, and advancing the operations of the Bezigrad Gymnasium. Katarina Torkar Papež was awarded for her professional conduct, which the committee described as characterized by expertise, dedication, and innovation. In higher education, Iztok Arčon received the lifetime achievement award. His long-standing success in tightly linking pedagogical and research activities made a decisive contribution to the development of university education in Slovenia. Six additional awards were given for exceptional achievements. Barbara Kovačich was recognized in primary education as one of the best Slovenian choir conductors, whose systematic work contributes significantly to musical and choral culture in primary school settings. Marko Jeran received the prize for secondary education for his long-term role in developing secondary vocational training, supporting young researchers, and connecting science with schooling. Andraz Stocer was honored for exceptional achievements in higher education. Described as an internationally established scientist, expert, and exceptional pedagogue, he lectures at the Medical Faculty, the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Maribor, as well as at the University of Vienna and in Szeged. Marjan Kovacic received the award for exceptional achievements in special needs education. As a music teacher at the Gustav Silih Center in Maribor, he demonstrates that music plays a key role in the personal development and social inclusion of children with special needs. Maja Mezgec, a professor of andragogy at the Faculty of Education at the University of Primorska and a researcher at the Slovenian Research Institute in Trieste, was recognized for exceptional achievements in the education of nationalities and minorities. Finally, Jerneja Herzog received the award for exceptional achievements in the arts. For nearly two decades, her pedagogical, research, and professional work has significantly co-created the development of the sector. Minister Rončević emphasized during his address that sixty years of such recognitions represent sixty years of respect for individuals who shape Slovenian education through their knowledge, dedication, and creativity. He noted that their influence extends beyond classrooms, lecture halls, and professional institutions. By sharing knowledge and setting examples, they mold young people, stimulate curiosity, develop abilities, and help individuals discover their own paths. Rončević observed that a good teacher does more than transmit information. Such a teacher identifies potential in a student, instills self-confidence, and encourages belief in oneself. Often, a teacher's word of support or trust decisively impacts an individual's future. He recalled the mentors who inspired him during his own school journey. Aberšek concluded by highlighting the importance of the recipients' work and the example they set for other professionals in education and upbringing. He stated that through their conduct, they demonstrate and amplify the role of teaching while illuminating its significance within society. These awards have been distributed since 1966. Initially known as the Zagar Awards, they have carried their current name since 1994. For six decades, they have served as a major state honor for individuals who contribute to the development of Slovenian education through their knowledge, dedication, and exceptional achievements.