The year of 2014 is announced the Russian-German Year of Language and Literature in Russia and Germany. On June 6, on the 215th anniversary of Alexander Pushkin, the official opening took place in Berlin. In Russia the Russian-German Year of Language and Literature will be officially opened with a street festival in Moscow running from 13 to 14 September 2014, with Russian and German performers, language workshops, foodmarket, book fair and the most mass lesson of German ever to enter the Guinness Book of Records.

In addition, 2014 German Teacher Award will be one of the major cultural and educational events of the year. In 2012 Lilia Zakharova, the teacher of the German Centre of Education, Science and Culture of the Kazan Federal University received the award in the nomination of the Best University German Teacher.

Lilia Zakharova answered some questions in relation to the up-coming event.

‑ Why did you choose teaching German as your calling?

‑ It happened purely accidental. Entering the Kazan State University, the Faculty of Roman German Philology, I could not even imagine that I would teach German, moreover, that I would do it in the university I studied at. At the teacher training I realized that it was meat and drink for me to prepare for classes, invent new tasks and search for interesting materials. After the graduation, I was offered a position in the department and I was glad to start teaching students and have never regretted the decision made.    

 ‑ What did the Best University German Teacher award contribute to your career?

‑ The award has obviously brought colleagues and students' acclaim but along with this, the responsibility has increased; the award enjoins to always show one's constantly rising competence.   

‑ What would you like to advise your colleagues who will apply for the 2014 Best German Teacher Award?  

‑ I would invite everybody to show their best practices, accumulate their experience and demonstrate it, bearing in mind what exactly they want to tell the judges. I believe the creative presentation is also of great importance. Good luck to all the participants.