Ten educators from across the ORT network have been recognised for going beyond the call of duty in the most recent Beatrice Wand-Polak Award.
The educators, who work at schools in Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, France, Israel, Mexico, and Ukraine were collectively praised for their experience, dedication, and the way they inspire and encourage students beyond expectations.
The Beatrice Wand-Polak Award is an annual celebration of the educators in the ORT network who have distinguished themselves in some way and are held in the highest esteem by their peers and leaders.
The award was set up by Bernard Wand-Polak, a former ORT Latin America director, in memory of his wife, Beatrice, who was a former president of the Chicago Region of Women’s American ORT. She helped Bernard to establish a network of outstanding technical high schools throughout Latin America.
The Beatrice Wand-Polak Award winners for 2025 are:
Daniel Levy – ORT Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Daniel Levy is the Director of the Admissions Department at ORT Argentina and is described as having an unwavering commitment to the comprehensive development of the school community.
He is considered to have transformed the admissions process into a “comprehensive and humanized evaluation, carefully safeguarding the delicate relationship between family and school, and training succeeding generations of professionals in the art of welcome”.
He is the principal architect of an academic milestone: the creation and direction of the humanities track. This has opened a fundamental space for social research and critical thinking, enriching the school’s daily life with new questions and creative models of engagement.
Most importantly, as a psychologist and key member of the school board, Daniel has been described as “a true builder of relationships and teams”. His work has proved essential for the founding of the educational inclusion team, formalizing attention to diversity and actively ensuring that each student found their optimal environment for growth.
Darío Mischener – ORT Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Darío Mischener is the Director of Information and Communications Technology at ORT Argentina and issaid to have a “cutting-edge pedagogical vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence in technological education”.
He has consistently anticipated industry trends and proactively embraced areas of greater complexity, including electronics, automatic control, and electromedicine.
Darío’s strategic leadership culminated in the founding of the Information and Communication Technology specialization ORT Argentina in the early 2000s, an exceptional track that attracts more than 400 students annually. He has also forged strategic alliances with global industry leaders, including HP, IBM, Google AWS, and Sony.
The school’s leadership team said: “Darío’s pedagogical philosophy transcends the traditional classroom, powerfully merging academic rigor with a profound sense of social responsibility.”
He inspires his students and faculty to achieve international recognition, reflected in numerous student awards in international Olympiads and contents.
Andrezza Leal – Escola ORT, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Andrezza Leal is a teacher of Theater Studies and Arts anddedicates herself to building interactive experiences and her classes include Circus, Theater, Cinema, Music and Dance.
Wilson Cukierman, National Director of ORT Brazil, said: “Throughout this year, Andrezza has been outstanding, creating and developing new activities at school that not only provided meaningful learning experiences for students, but also encouraged strong involvement from her colleagues and families.”
In 2025, Escola ORT held its first cultural exhibition, coordinated by Andrezza and director Vitor, in which the students presented their artistic skills.
Andrezza said: “My main goal is for students to create beyond the grade, finding pleasure and meaning in the process. I am able to develop the professionalism of each one, believing in the potential of the students and receiving from them, in return, a surprisingly mature commitment.
“To see that we are making room not only for mathematicians and mechatronics, but also for the great artists we have in our field, is profoundly significant.”
Tsveta Lashkova – Dimcho Debelianov ORT Jewish School, Sofia, Bulgaria
Librarian Tsveta Lashkova is described as an “exceptional” educator and was awarded for her “extraordinary” dedication, innovation, and long-term impact” on the lives of hundreds of students.
Graduating before the involvement of the Jewish organizations, Tsveta has personally witnessed – and helped to drive – the school’s transformation.
This partnership has brought rich Jewish values, traditions, and educational excellence that have profoundly enriched school life – an evolution she deeply appreciates and tirelessly champions and her professional foundation spans music, dance, philology, and information science. She is also credited as being the creative mind behind countless successful lessons, events, and ORT Bulgaria projects.
“Tsveta’s creativity, unwavering support, and inspirational approach make her one of the most outstanding educators in the school,” said Victor M. Toledo, Chair of ORT Bulgaria.
“Tsveta works daily to ignite curiosity and foster learning across all age groups. She inspires students, supports colleagues, and engages our school’s entire community. She embodies ORT’s core values – from integrity and excellence to innovation and social responsibility – living them daily in her work.”
Jérémy Cohen – École de Travail ORT, Paris, France
The leadership team state that Jérémy Cohen’s rigor, ability to pass on knowledge, and his desire to constantly improve make him a “particularly sought-after and appreciated trainer”.
With more than 25 years of teaching experience, Jérémy has solid experience in the field of automotive mechanics. One of his greatest strengths, says ORT France, is his ability to simplify complex concepts and make learning accessible. He systematically values initiative, encourages questioning and creates a supportive environment that promotes collaboration and involvement.
“His clear communication, empathy and ability to manage group dynamics make him a well-rounded professional, appreciated by both apprentices and members of the educational team,” said Philippe Alfandari, Director of the École de Travail.
Jérémy said: “My approach is based on practice, rigour and kindness, because I am convinced that every young person can progress when they feel listened to, supported, and valued.
“I have sought to develop in my students a sense of respect, mutual support, responsibility, and a job well done. These are principles I learned at ORT, and which I strive to uphold consistently.”
Annie Lorrain – ORT Montreuil Daniel Mayer, Montreuil, France
Annie Lorrain has been an educator with ORT France for more than 30 years, first at the Villiers-le-Bel site as a teacher of music and, since 2000, of accountancy at the Montreuil site.
She is commended for giving each student attention and guiding them towards success and excellence, including in the highly challenging accounting exam for the Accounting and Management Diploma.
“Deeply committed to the values of our institution, she generously dedicates her time to assisting her colleagues with the representative bodies of ORT France, always with respect and responsibility,” said Isaac Touitou, Head of Lycée ORT Daniel Mayer, Montreuil, Paris.
Annie said: “For more than 30 years at ORT, I have been a fulfilled, committed and attentive teacher. Passionate about teaching, I enjoy developing my practices and cultivating adaptability.”
Tal Bitton – YOUniversity Centers of Excellence, northern Israel (World ORT Kadima Mada)
Tal Bitton has been an instructor in northern Israel at World ORT Kadima Mada since 2023, teaching in the fields of robotics, animation, virtual reality, and 3D.
He is described as a professional instructor who strives to learn, improve, and do everything to the highest standard. This includes making advanced technology accessible to children in a creative way and he is said to have a remarkable ability to connect with them and communicates with each child as an equal.
In nominating Tal, Ronit Hasin, Regional Manager, Haifa–Krayot, at World ORT Kadima Mada, said: “Tal demonstrates great dedication to his work. He takes on every task willingly and always does so with a smile and a positive attitude. He is ready to assist in advancing the organization and its activities, presents ideas for improvement, and is willing to lead them forward.
“He is an outstanding employee, who not only performs his role in the best possible way, but is the kind of person who leaves a lasting impression on the hearts of those around him.”
Ana Flores Rueda – Colegio Olamí ORT, Mexico City, Mexico
Ana Flores Rueda is a literature and Spanish teacher at Colegio Olamí ORT, where she has worked for more than 15 years, and is described as having had a “profound and meaningful impact on our educational community”.
She is referred to as an “extraordinary” teacher, who is deeply committed to her students’ intellectual and personal development. Her sensitivity and passion have awakened in young people a love for reading, despite interest in books competing with countless distractions.
As the Middle School Academic Coordinator, Ana has guided her teachers with clarity, firmness, and exceptional sensitivity. She strongly promotes the project-based learning approach and ensures that STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Math) is authentically embedded in every project.
Orly Picker, Academic Director at of Colegio Olamí ORT, said: “Ana is a true ‘teacher of life’, someone whose wisdom, integrity, and example leave a lasting imprint on everyone she mentors.
“She has demonstrated unwavering passion and commitment to education and to the wellbeing of her students and has become one of the strongest and most valued pillars of our school.”
Olha Rybak – Lyceum #141 “ORT” Kyiv, Ukraine
Olha Rybak is Deputy Principal for Academic Affairs and an Information and Communication Technology Teacher at Lyceum #141 “ORT”, where she has been working since 2022.
She is described as a “highly qualified educator” and an initiative-driven and responsible school leader who consistently improves her skills, implements innovative methodologies, and integrates modern information technologies.
Olha ensures high-quality planning and coordination, and fosters a positive psychological climate that supports the development of teachers’ and students’ creativity. She oversees the work of methodological committees within the information-technology cycle and plays a key role in strengthening teachers’ competencies in modern pedagogical technologies, personalized learning, project-research activities, and maker methodologies.
“Olha demonstrates deep knowledge of modern information systems and possesses strong practical skills in programming and web development,” said School Principal Yuriy Kinkov.
“Her lessons incorporate project-based learning and interactive teaching methods, helping students develop IT competencies, logical thinking, and creativity. Under her guidance, students have achieved outstanding results at municipal, national, and international levels in science and technology.”
Andrii Turukalo – Educational Complex “Simcha” #325, Kyiv, Ukraine
A former ORT student, AndriiTurukalo is the coordinator of ORT educational programs at Educational Complex “Simcha” #325 in Kyiv and has been working as a Computer Science and Robotics teacher there since 2017. He is also involved in curriculum and methodology development in ORT Ukraine.
Andrii’s professional activity combines teaching, strategic development of ORT educational programs, and academic research. As a member of the R&D team of the international program ORT STEM in Ukraine, the Baltics, Moldova and the Caucasus, he plays an important role in modernizing educational programs and integrating emerging technologies into the learning process.
Andrii, who is a senior lecturer in IT and mathematics at a Kyiv university,also leads international webinars for ORT teachers on the use of AI-based tools that help educators across disciplines create more engaging and high-quality didactic materials and develops unique STEM content for Eastern Europe
“Andrii aims to equip ORT students with a strong foundation of practical and technological skills that will ensure a successful transition to higher education and help them realize their potential as highly qualified professionals in the fast-evolving world of technology,” said School Principal Volodymyr Panasiuk.
World ORT congratulates all our 2025 Beatrice Wand-Polak Award winners for their work in schools and for preparing students for a better future.
Beatrice Wand-Polak winners 2025:
Daniel Levy – ORT Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Darío Mischener – ORT Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Andrezza Leal – Escola ORT, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tsveta Lashkova – Dimcho Debelianov ORT Jewish School, Sofia, Bulgaria
Jérémy Cohen – École de Travail ORT, Paris, France
Annie Lorrain – ORT Montreuil Daniel Mayer, Montreuil, France
Tal Bitton – YOUniversity Centers of Excellence, northern Israel (World ORT Kadima Mada)
Ana Flores Rueda – Colegio Olamí ORT, Mexico City, Mexico
Olha Rybak – Lyceum #141 “ORT” Kyiv, Ukraine
Andrii Turukalo – Educational Complex “Simcha” #325, Kyiv, Ukraine