MAKHACHKALA, March 27 – RIA Dagestan. Amina Makhantova, an English language teacher at Kulzeb Secondary School in Kizilyurtovsky District, has been named the winner of the Republican Competition "Best Union Leader–2026". In a competitive final round featuring ten participants, she demonstrated strong command of labor legislation and effective approaches to conflict resolution.
During her presentation, Makhantova highlighted the role of the trade union in a rural school environment: the collective agreement as a tool for protecting teachers' rights, support for veteran educators and guidance for young teachers during their professional adaptation. She noted that the trade union at her school functions both as a mediator and as a resource center, including assistance in accessing sanatorium and resort vouchers to support educators' well-being and professional development.
Second place was awarded to Ukhan Magomedkhanov, Chair of the Primary Trade Union Organization at the school in the village of Stary Karlyurt, Khasavyurtovsky District. Third place was granted to Olga Chabanova, Chair of the Primary Trade Union Organization at school No. 2 in Kizlyar.
Makhantova remarked that her victory represents a vote of confidence from colleagues and serves as motivation to continue her work with renewed commitment. Magomed Amirodinov, Head of the Republican Trade Union of Education Workers, noted that the high level of preparation demonstrated by competition participants contributes to the effective protection of teachers' rights across the region.