It’s impossible to take steps towards success without teachers, without those who open up the world to us and help us find our way in it. First we have our parents, and then our teachers at school and college. There are so many wonderful, outstanding people who remember their schoolteachers with gratitude!

I really wanted to do a show with some teachers, but as soon as the opportunity arose there was the question of whom to invite. The teacher of the year? If so, which year? And why just one year? In the end, I decided to invite the teachers of the year from the last three years – 2008, 2007 and 2006. In 2007 the prize was won by two teachers, so I had four teachers on the show. The film crew and I also visited one of the teachers at home.

It turned out to be a really fascinating and eventful meeting. It was hugely important for me because I’m a member of the Council for Education Quality of the United Russia party. Discussing educational issues at the Council meetings is important, of course, but meeting people who have enormous practical experience and know the educational system from the inside gives us a completely different level of understanding of the issues.

What struck me most was how different all the teachers were, while sharing the same commitment to their life’s work. For some reason I found myself thinking that some stars shine brightly, while others shine with a light that’s never blinding but never goes out and helps people to find their way in life. I think it must be a great joy to have a light like that in your soul. It’s something nobody else can give you or take away from you, and it has nothing to do with awards and recognition. Is this not the joy that we are seeking as we strive for success all our lives?

To find out about people with an amazing vocation, watch “Steps towards Success” on REN TV at 1130 on Sunday, 4th October. The programme will be repeated at 0015 on 5th October.