May 19, 2024

A Village Teacher Under Fire


A Village Teacher Under Fire
A teacher no more. The Russian Life files.

A village teacher of Russian language and literature will no longer stimulate student conversations in a classroom, thanks to a Soviet-style denunciation of her views.

Olga Tatarnikova attracted attention from authorities after a colleague pointed to anti-war sentiments she'd posted on social media. Police appeared at the school, questioned staff, and detained the 60-year-old for questioning.

Following the incident, the teacher chose to resign for her own safety.

Tatarnikova was known for her passionate approach to big questions. She was known for sparking engaging conversations among students, who often read classics alongside modern works. She asserted that, just because her school was in the small village of Manzurka, Irkutsk Oblast, students were no less smart than their urban counterparts. Her anti-war views apparently stem from her extensive study of literature and philosophy.

While Tatarnikova is no longer teaching, peers said she'll continue to make a difference some other way.

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