This year marks the 170th anniversary of the birth of Hans Einer, the founder of Estonian-language education in Valga. Valga Museum is celebrating this with a series of lectures and discussions on schools and education. The first of these will take place on May 7, 2026, starting at 16:00, when we will host Tiiu Kuurme, Associate Professor Emerita of Educational Science at Tallinn University, whose lecture in Valga will be on the topic Education, People, and Times of Crisis.
Tiiu Kuurme graduated from the University of Tartu with a specialization in journalism within Estonian philology. Later, she focused on academic teaching and research work, spending many years at Tallinn University in the field of educational sciences. Kuurme feels both responsibility and pleasure that by now she has taught courses to a significant portion of Estonian teachers. Tiiu Kuurme defended her doctoral degree in 2004 at the University of Oulu. Throughout her career, she has written both scientific articles and media pieces on topics such as upbringing, school, education, childhood, and the individual's challenges in today's society. Kuurme has also delved deeper into gender studies, including boys and girls at school, at home, and in society, and in recent times, the philosophy of upbringing and education. Some of her writings appeared in 2025 in the comprehensive publication "In Justification of Upbringing" in the Estonian Thought Heritage series. For several years, Kuurme has been active in the Estonian Cultural Chamber, helping to organize conferences, roundtables, and appeals. As a speaker and writer, Tiiu Kuurme strives to remain active in the future as well.
