There are no clearly established rules in Ukraine regarding how students should address teachers, but polite forms of address cannot be prohibited. This was reported by educational ombudsman Nadiia Leshchyk, as conveyed by UNN.
Details
The basis for the clarification was an appeal concerning a situation in a lyceum: the administration tried to prohibit students from addressing a teacher with the words "pani vchytelko" (Madam Teacher), despite the fact that the teacher herself suggested this form.
Current Ukrainian legislation does not contain a special procedure for addressing a pedagogical worker. At the same time, any address must comply with the norms of ethical behavior and public morality
The clarification emphasizes that the main requirement is respect. Addresses should not contain insults, humiliation, or signs of discrimination.
At the same time, the management of an educational institution has no right to prohibit formal polite addresses if they do not violate ethical norms.
Possible options include "pani vchytelko" (Madam Teacher), "pane uchyteliu" (Mr. Teacher), addressing by first name and patronymic, or "pani/pane" (Madam/Mr.) with the first name. The choice of form can be agreed upon between students, parents, and the teacher.
It is also noted that Ukrainian orthography allows for different address formats depending on the situation, and similar approaches are common in other countries — for example, addressing through "pan/pani" (Mr./Madam) or a professional title.
Thus, the key is not the form, but respect and agreement between the participants of the educational process.