The purpose of the support fund is to retain and value teachers who can inspire young people to believe that STEM subjects are not just difficult formulas and abstract theories, but also practical and exciting tools to change the world.
Teachers are the pillars of support for our youth. The more young students we can inspire in primary school with real and natural sciences, the more will continue these studies in secondary school and university. This broadens the future opportunities for young people. Through them, Estonia’s future can see a growing high-tech and science-based industry.
Estonia’s education system has been excellent and recognized worldwide, but we face serious challenges. The supply of basic school teachers is declining, with the highest turnover in this education stage. Nearly 40% of new teachers leave the profession within the first five years (Heateo Foundation study “Teacher Career 2015-2022”). The dropout rate is especially high in basic schools. At the same time, young people’s interest in STEM subjects is declining, and fewer students choose advanced mathematics in secondary school, which is essential for pursuing technology and engineering studies at university. Our solution is the Basic School STEM Teachers Support Fund, aimed at supporting teachers who shape and inspire the talents of the future.
We recognize, support, and inspire
We support teachers so they remain motivated to teach and have the resources to do their work with passion.
We offer additional opportunities
We reduce teacher burnout and attrition by providing support and extra opportunities for professional development.
We strengthen the economy and education system
We enhance Estonia’s education system and economy by increasing the number of young people entering technology and engineering fields in the future.
The foundation was established with an open heart and is funded purely through donations. Therefore, every donation the foundation is able to collect is important in forming the scholarship amounts. If the scholarship is 1800 euros, it would require 36 people each donating 50 euros. And if that teacher is able, through their teaching, to inspire 20–30 students to study physics, technology, mathematics, biology, or chemistry, then that 50 euros has changed the lives of those young people.
STEM subjects are one of the key pillars of Estonia’s economy and innovation. These subjects are crucial for the development of engineering sciences, information technology, and smart industry. Moreover, understanding STEM is essential for setting up problem statements in any field. If young people lose interest and confidence in STEM subjects during basic school, their opportunities to continue studies in technology and science in the future diminish. This, in turn, may slow down the development and international competitiveness of Estonia’s economy.
STEM subjects make it possible to understand the world. It is not merely about chasing numbers and calculations, but about systematic, holistic thinking that provides a picture of the unity of the world and the interconnectedness of its phenomena.
Raimo Maasik – Physics teacher at Rakvere Basic School and scholarship recipient
The TalTech Development Foundation, in cooperation with the Estonian Teachers’ Union, conducted a survey among basic school STEM teachers. The results showed that a large proportion of teachers enjoy their work and are motivated by eager students with bright eyes. And the biggest motivators for students are precisely their teachers. A student spends 8+ hours a day at school with their teachers.
More basic school students who dare to try and experiment in STEM subjects, even if it initially seems difficult. A larger number of young people choosing advanced mathematics in upper secondary school and continuing their studies in technology, engineering, and natural sciences. In the years to come, more engineers, scientists, and technologists who will help take Estonia’s economy to the next level.
STEM education may not turn everyone into engineers, but it gives every young person the ability to think clearly and make well-reasoned decisions.
Janika Kuus – Mathematics teacher at Kohtla-Nõmme School and scholarship recipient
Student success
Self-development and further education
Recognition
When students succeed in their field, it gives the teacher plenty of motivation to inspire and encourage other young people. Teachers are naturally committed to their own continuous development and receive gratitude from society, colleagues, parents, and students. TalTech also inspires and provides further training for teachers. At least once a year, TalTech’s Open University organizes an inspiration day for basic school teachers of science subjects, aiming to showcase practical solutions where students can later apply their knowledge of science subjects in their studies and careers. Over 40 school teachers from across Estonia participated in the inspiration day in spring 2025.
“When children enjoy learning and parents appreciate my work, it gives me strong inner satisfaction and motivation to continue.”
Teacher of Informatics and Mathematics in Ida-Virumaa
“I love my work and do it with all my heart.”
A mathematics, natural sciences, and computer science teacher from Lääne-Virumaa
“I like my work and believe it is important to help young people around me notice the laws of nature.”
Mathematics, science, and physics teacher from Viljandi County
Read more about the foundation’s establishment, nomination process, and evaluation committee in the statute (in Estonian) – STEM Teachers Foundation.
“Thank you to everyone who nominated teachers and to the teachers who applied. If we had sufficient funds and opportunities, we would award a scholarship to everyone whose applications we reviewed. The work that these bright-eyed teachers do with their students is tremendous, and the solutions they use are very diverse. Congratulations to those who received recognition this year!”
Elinor Toming – Founder and initiator of the STEM Teachers’ Scholarship Fund
A total of 232 applications were submitted in the 2025 competition, of which 136 were unique candidates and nominations. A total of 21 scholarships were awarded.
The evaluation committee consisted of four members – a representative from the Teachers’ Union, the Department of Mathematics at the University of Technology, the Engineering Academy, and the Tallinn University of Technology Development Fund.
The scholarship recipients of the 2025 competition
| Teacher’s name | Educational institution | Subject(s) taught | |
| 1 | Anastassia Meinson | Iisaku Põhikool | mathematics, physics |
| 2 | Anneli Jõgela | Setomaa Gümnaasium | chemistry, physics |
| 3 | Daniel Kaasik | Tallinna Reaalkool | mathematics, physics |
| 4 | Erkki Tempel | Pärnu Sütevaka Humanitaargümnaasium | physics, chemistry, natural science |
| 5 | Holger Bremen | Kadrina Keskkool | mathematics, robotics, CAD drafting |
| 6 | Janika Kuus | Kohtla-Nõmme Kool | mathematics |
| 7 | Joana Jõgela | Tartu Luterlik Peetri kool | chemistry |
| 8 | Kaidy Õismets | Haabneeme Kool | mathematics |
| 9 | Kaija Seepter | Järveküla Kool | physics |
| 10 | Kaja Engman | Haapsalu Põhikool | mathematics |
| 11 | Larissa Žarkova | Narva Eesti Põhikool | chemistry |
| 12 | Maimu Torn-Kallion | Kohila Gümnaasium | physics, chemistry, science (primary grades) |
| 13 | Mariliis Sang | August Kitzbergi nimeline Gümnaasium | chemistry and biology |
| 14 | Martin Filippov | Tallinna Inglise Kolledž ja Tallinna Prantsuse Lütseum | mathematics |
| 15 | Martin Saar | Tallinna Reaalkool (ja Gustav Adolfi Gümnaasium) | chemistry and natural science |
| 16 | Merit Eier | Vändra Gümnaasium | natural science, chemistry and physics |
| 17 | Raimo Maasik | Rakvere Põhikool | physics |
| 18 | Silvia Pajus | Audru Kool | mathematics |
| 19 | Talvi Kaja | Paikuse Kool | mathematics |
| 20 | Triin Uussaar | Salme Põhikool | mathematics, fundamentals of research, science practicum |
| 21 | Annelore Hirschon | Imavere Kool | mathematics |
The ceremonial presentation of the scholarships took place on January 28 in the TalTech Rectorate Council Hall.
Supporters of the 2026 competition
Supporters of the 2025 competition
Every contribution—whether financial support, mentoring, sharing experience, or simply raising awareness—helps create new and better opportunities for both teachers and youth. Feel free to share information about the fund with colleagues, community members, school teachers, and local businesses.
You can support in several ways:
| SWEDBANK: | EE572200221011286139 |
| SEB: | EE471010052027905003 |
| LHV: | EE547700771003875312 |
| Keyword: | Support Fund for Lower Secondary STEM Teachers |
We are grateful for every donation, especially recurring ones. A fund that relies 100% on donations is more stable when it has regular supporters. The best way is for the donor to go to their bank and set up a standing order to one of the accounts of the Foundation of Tallinn University of Technology Development Fund.
| SWEDBANK: | EE572200221011286139 |
| SEB: | EE471010052027905003 |
| LHV: | EE547700771003875312 |
| Keyword: | Support Fund for Lower Secondary STEM Teachers |
The donation is allocated to a designated sub-fund created within the Foundation of Tallinn University of Technology Development Fund, according to the chosen fund. All transfers made to the sub-fund are awarded as scholarships to students or teachers through a public competition process.
Yes, of course you can!
The Foundation of Tallinn University of Technology Development Fund is listed as a tax-exempt organization, which means that donations to the fund are tax-deductible. Individuals can deduct donated amounts up to 1200 euros per year from their taxable income. All donations made through the support portal toeta.taltech.ee or directly to the Development Fund accounts, where the donor provides their personal identification code, can be considered for income tax refund. At the beginning of the calendar year, the Development Fund submits all necessary information to the Tax and Customs Board, and the summary of donations will appear in the donor’s income tax declaration.
