ToT in Lviv, or how to turn teachers into superheroes
ToT is not just an abbreviation, but a true legend, which, without exaggeration, marked the beginning of the history of the Progressive NGO. The name stands for Training of Trainers, and it was this training that became the basis for the formation of a progressive community of educators. Interestingly, the abbreviation ToT consists of three letters — and this is symbolic, because the training always lasts three days: three steps to professional growth, three levels of immersion — from theory to practice, from yesterday's self to a new self.
Oksana Chub
senior lecturer Department of Business Economics and Entrepreneurship Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman
This year's ToT from the Progressive NGO took place in the heart of ancient Lviv. More than 30 participants from different regions of Ukraine gathered together not only for new knowledge and modern methods, but also for inspiration, professional rebooting, lively communication, and the creation of a community of like-minded people. ToT became a source of practical tools, answers to complex challenges, and a space where they could believe in the power of education again.
Even before the official start of the training, some of the participants had already met at the Lviv railway station. Progressive teachers recognise each other even in a crowd of strangers.
Even before the official start of the training, some of the participants had already met at the Lviv railway station. Progressive teachers recognise each other even in a crowd of strangers.
Day 1. How did it all begin?
It all started with something simple — a sincere greeting, an outline of the rules of interaction, and an introduction to the team. The founder of the Progressive NGO, Bohdan Ferens, together with his colleagues, created an atmosphere of trust and security — a basic but extremely important condition for effective group work. Particular attention was paid to getting to know the participants — not as a formality, but as a key stage in forming a cohesive learning community.
It all started with something simple — a sincere greeting, an outline of the rules of interaction, and an introduction to the team. The founder of the Progressive NGO, Bohdan Ferens, together with his colleagues, created an atmosphere of trust and security — a basic but extremely important condition for effective group work. Particular attention was paid to getting to know the participants — not as a formality, but as a key stage in forming a cohesive learning community.
In training activities, icebreaker exercises are not just about ‘breaking the ice,’ but also about passing the ‘ball’ to the participants. It is a chance to start a dialogue, see potential, and create an environment in which people want to learn and interact.
At the start, the strategic partner of the event, the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, was also mentioned. The foundation supports the ideas of accessible and quality education for all, especially for children from working-class families. Present in more than 100 countries around the world, the foundation actively promotes the formation of progressive educational policies and the strengthening of democratic values.
A screening of a motivational video from the Education Summit set the tone for a discussion about the role of teachers in the country's recovery. The participants unanimously concluded that educators can be the catalyst for social transformation.
The Progressive NGO team presented the key areas of its activities: the fight for affordable and quality education, decent pay for educators, and the self-realisation of teachers in the reform process. In this context, training activities are seen as another tool: on the one hand, an opportunity for additional income, and on the other, a way to form an active educational community capable of influencing change.
At the start, the strategic partner of the event, the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, was also mentioned. The foundation supports the ideas of accessible and quality education for all, especially for children from working-class families. Present in more than 100 countries around the world, the foundation actively promotes the formation of progressive educational policies and the strengthening of democratic values.
A screening of a motivational video from the Education Summit set the tone for a discussion about the role of teachers in the country's recovery. The participants unanimously concluded that educators can be the catalyst for social transformation.
The Progressive NGO team presented the key areas of its activities: the fight for affordable and quality education, decent pay for educators, and the self-realisation of teachers in the reform process. In this context, training activities are seen as another tool: on the one hand, an opportunity for additional income, and on the other, a way to form an active educational community capable of influencing change.
Despite the development of technology and AI, the role of the teacher remains irreplaceable: it is the teacher who is able to support, guide and become a reference point in difficult times. That is why the first day of ToTu was a powerful start to the three-day transformation of educators.
Day 2. What happened next?
On the second, most intensive day of the training, participants immersed themselves in the theoretical basis, pedagogical concepts and methodology of conducting training sessions. They started with an energiser called ‘Catch the Finger,’ during which each participant, on the command ‘one-two-three,’ caught their neighbour's finger while trying not to let their neighbour catch their finger on the other side. Such tasks create a dynamic atmosphere and set the group up for active work.
On the second, most intensive day of the training, participants immersed themselves in the theoretical basis, pedagogical concepts and methodology of conducting training sessions. They started with an energiser called ‘Catch the Finger,’ during which each participant, on the command ‘one-two-three,’ caught their neighbour's finger while trying not to let their neighbour catch their finger on the other side. Such tasks create a dynamic atmosphere and set the group up for active work.
After the introductory part, the participants moved on to active work on two important blocks and identified the differences between a trainer and a teacher, as well as analysing the main elements of training preparation. Particular attention was paid to the issue of timing as one of the determining factors of effective coaching. After all, a trainer must not only adhere to the regulations, but also respect the participants' time without shortening the planned breaks. At the same time, participants are responsible for returning to joint work on time.
In today's world, time is such that everyone has to be adaptable. During the discussion, participants came to the conclusion that progressive coaching is about active interaction with the training group.
In today's world, time is such that everyone has to be adaptable. During the discussion, participants came to the conclusion that progressive coaching is about active interaction with the training group.
Working in groups showed participants that different groups hear and perceive tasks differently, which is important to remember when preparing and explaining tasks. A distinctive feature of educational groups is their excessive immersion in details. Professional activity influences the perception and performance of tasks, which is also important to consider when preparing training for different professional groups.
One of the interesting features of ToT is worth mentioning separately — the ‘borscht’ method. Its name refers to the national dish, the culture of preparation of which is recognised as an object of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage. This method is a successful metaphor for effective learning, because, as in real borscht, everything is important here: each ‘ingredient’ — participants, methods, atmosphere — has its own role and significance. The proportions, sequence and interaction create that unique ‘flavour palette’ that can only be achieved through the harmonious combination of all elements. And, looking ahead, we can say with confidence that the borscht was a great success!
At the end of the theoretical part, we moved on to feedback and highlighted a number of questions that must be asked, but with the right emphasis. For example, it is worth asking questions with a positive emphasis: ‘What did you like?’, ‘What could be improved?’, ‘What would you improve?’
One of the interesting features of ToT is worth mentioning separately — the ‘borscht’ method. Its name refers to the national dish, the culture of preparation of which is recognised as an object of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage. This method is a successful metaphor for effective learning, because, as in real borscht, everything is important here: each ‘ingredient’ — participants, methods, atmosphere — has its own role and significance. The proportions, sequence and interaction create that unique ‘flavour palette’ that can only be achieved through the harmonious combination of all elements. And, looking ahead, we can say with confidence that the borscht was a great success!
At the end of the theoretical part, we moved on to feedback and highlighted a number of questions that must be asked, but with the right emphasis. For example, it is worth asking questions with a positive emphasis: ‘What did you like?’, ‘What could be improved?’, ‘What would you improve?’
The highlight of this training and the leader in views was the icebreaker ‘Norm or Ström?’ — a challenge from Progressives with a deep meaning, where participants silently demonstrated their reactions to various situations from their professional lives. The video emphasises the importance of being aware of one's own reactions and encourages discussion of topics that are often overlooked.
The ‘Living Library’ format became a real adventure route for participants, taking them through a series of interactive locations, each dedicated to a separate topic. Participants had the opportunity to “read” four ‘living books’ — experts who shared their professional experience in a live communication format.
The first topic was coaching diplomacy — the art of maintaining a balance between flexibility and clarity, especially in difficult communication situations. Next, participants learned the basics of a trauma-informed approach, which allows for the creation of a safe space in training sessions, taking into account the possible experiences of participants.
The third location was the world of video content, where we discussed tools that transform ordinary videos into effective educational or motivational products. And finally, the magic of energisers, which opened up new horizons for activating group dynamics, relieving tension and team building.
The ‘Living Library’ format became a real adventure route for participants, taking them through a series of interactive locations, each dedicated to a separate topic. Participants had the opportunity to “read” four ‘living books’ — experts who shared their professional experience in a live communication format.
The first topic was coaching diplomacy — the art of maintaining a balance between flexibility and clarity, especially in difficult communication situations. Next, participants learned the basics of a trauma-informed approach, which allows for the creation of a safe space in training sessions, taking into account the possible experiences of participants.
The third location was the world of video content, where we discussed tools that transform ordinary videos into effective educational or motivational products. And finally, the magic of energisers, which opened up new horizons for activating group dynamics, relieving tension and team building.
his format clearly demonstrated how practical knowledge can be conveyed through live interaction, where each ‘book’ not only tells a story, but also engages, inspires and stimulates participants to rethink their own coaching practices.
The busy day ended with a warm and sincere ‘Teacher's Confession’ — an informal meeting during which participants shared personal stories from their teaching practice. These witty and touching stories elicited genuine smiles, enhanced the atmosphere of trust and support, and reminded us that behind every methodology there is a real person with experience, challenges, and a sense of humour. As one participant aptly shared from her own experience: ‘If you don't know the answer to a question, ask the audience. If no one knows the answer, answer whatever you want.’
The busy day ended with a warm and sincere ‘Teacher's Confession’ — an informal meeting during which participants shared personal stories from their teaching practice. These witty and touching stories elicited genuine smiles, enhanced the atmosphere of trust and support, and reminded us that behind every methodology there is a real person with experience, challenges, and a sense of humour. As one participant aptly shared from her own experience: ‘If you don't know the answer to a question, ask the audience. If no one knows the answer, answer whatever you want.’
Day 3. How did it all end?
The third day of the training was the culmination of the entire learning process — a day of practice, reflection, and strengthening confidence in one's own coaching potential. Participants immersed themselves in role-playing situations and simulated real-life challenges that coaches face in their work. This helped to consolidate the knowledge gained, develop flexibility in decision-making and find ways out of difficult or crisis situations.
An important part of the day was a frank discussion about coaching challenges — from unstable group dynamics to emotional burnout. Through mutual support and exchange of experience, participants found new resources for further work and became convinced that there are no universal answers, but there is a circle of professional partnership that can always be turned to, and this circle is the Progressive community.
The final chord was a solemn ceremony of awarding certificates, words of gratitude, and inspiring messages. The final photo became a symbol of a new community — progressive, motivated, and open to change.
The third day of the training was the culmination of the entire learning process — a day of practice, reflection, and strengthening confidence in one's own coaching potential. Participants immersed themselves in role-playing situations and simulated real-life challenges that coaches face in their work. This helped to consolidate the knowledge gained, develop flexibility in decision-making and find ways out of difficult or crisis situations.
An important part of the day was a frank discussion about coaching challenges — from unstable group dynamics to emotional burnout. Through mutual support and exchange of experience, participants found new resources for further work and became convinced that there are no universal answers, but there is a circle of professional partnership that can always be turned to, and this circle is the Progressive community.
The final chord was a solemn ceremony of awarding certificates, words of gratitude, and inspiring messages. The final photo became a symbol of a new community — progressive, motivated, and open to change.
ToT is not just a training, but a meeting point for those who are creating the future of education today.
06.06.2025
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