Meet 2025 Teacher of the Year for Russian Helen M.

We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Russian, Helen M., to share insights into her background, teaching philosophy, and approach to helping students build real-world confidence in the language. In this Q&A, Helen reflects on growing up in a Russian-speaking region of Ukraine, discovering her passion for languages, and shaping a calm, student-centered online teaching studio. She emphasizes consistency, clear goals, and learning to think in Russian, not just translate, as the foundation for meaningful progress, long-term confidence, and genuine connection through language.

What drew you to learning about Russian?

I grew up in a Russian-speaking part of Ukraine, so Russian is my native language. When I later moved to the United States, I realized how strong people’s interest in learning Russian actually is—many want to learn it because of friends or loved ones, while others are simply drawn to how the language sounds and feels.

I’ve always been passionate about learning languages, and teaching Russian has given me the opportunity to look at my own language from a completely different perspective. Explaining it to learners has deepened my understanding of Russian and helped me make it more accessible, practical, and less intimidating for students from different backgrounds.

How would you describe your teaching studio?

My teaching studio is calm, organized, and student-focused. It’s a quiet, well-lit space designed specifically for online teaching, with a clean background and minimal visual distractions. I’m very intentional about my teaching space because it directly affects my energy and attention. Before each teaching day, I make sure my studio is tidy, well lit, and ready so I can be fully present for my students. A calm, structured environment helps me transition mentally into “teaching mode,” stay focused, and communicate clearly. When my space feels balanced and prepared, I can bring more patience, warmth, and enthusiasm into every lesson.

If you could gift your students one piece of automatic knowledge or ability about learning Russian, what would it be? 

I would gift my students the ability to think in Russian rather than translate word for word. Automatic understanding—being able to hear a sentence and grasp meaning instantly—completely changes how confident and natural a learner feels. Once that mental shift happens, the language stops feeling intimidating and starts feeling usable in real life.

I hope my students carry the confidence that they can learn complex things with consistency and the right approach. Beyond Russian itself, I want them to remember that languages are not about perfection but about communication, curiosity, and connection. If years from now they still feel comfortable speaking, listening, and engaging with Russian—or feel empowered to learn another language—I know I’ve done my job.

What are some of your most indispensable pieces of gear?

Good audio is absolutely essential for language learning, so a high-quality microphone or headset is at the top of my list. Clear sound allows students to hear pronunciation, stress, and intonation accurately. I also rely on a stable internet connection and a good camera.

What are some gear items that you wish all your students had?  

I wish all students had reliable headphones and a quiet space for learning. Even simple wired headphones can dramatically improve listening comprehension and reduce fatigue.

Are there apps / texts / other resources you often recommend?

One of the biggest developments has been the growing use of AI-powered tools for language practice. When used thoughtfully, they can support listening, speaking, and self-study between lessons.

What’s a skill or idea you’re excited to explore in 2026? How about your students?

I’m excited to see my students continue building confidence in real-world communication. For 2026, I hope they explore more self-directed projects, like reading a book in Russian, having conversations with native speakers, or creating content that reflects their interests. I think these experiences make the language truly stick.

Anything you'd like to share about yours or your students’ accomplishments from 2025? 

2025 was an amazing year. Personally, I was honored to receive the Teacher of the Year award on Lessonface, which validated the hard work and care I put into my lessons. My students had wonderful achievements too, and ’m particularly proud of one student who started reading Chekhov in Russian—an impressive milestone that shows real progress and dedication.

Do you have guidance for goal-setting for Russian, or generally?

Yes—my advice is to set specific, achievable, and measurable goals. For language learners, that might mean “I will hold a 5-minute conversation in Russian by the end of the month” rather than a vague “I want to be fluent.” I also emphasize building consistent habits over perfection—short, daily practice often leads to more progress than sporadic long sessions. And finally, I encourage students to celebrate every milestone, no matter how small, because progress in language learning is cumulative and incredibly motivating.

Is there anything else you would like to share with potential students about the Russian language?

I would love potential students to know that learning Russian is not just about grammar and vocabulary—it’s about connecting with a rich culture, expressing yourself in new ways, and gaining a skill that opens doors to literature, travel, and meaningful conversations with people around the world.

I make my lessons approachable and enjoyable, whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills. My goal is to help students feel confident using Russian in real life, not just memorizing rules. And I can promise that with curiosity, consistency, and the right guidance, learning Russian can be deeply rewarding—and even fun!

If you are interested in learning more about Helen or would like to book a lesson with her, please visit her Lessonface profile here. 

Also, be sure to check out all of Lessonface’s 2025 Teachers of the Year here!