General information
I have worked in schools for over 25 years, first teaching science, and later philosophy and religion. At the same time, I have been engaged in politics, in Tartu City Council and the 13th Riigikogu.
I feel that many of the problems brought on by social stratification have their origin in school. The school is also a place that shapes the understandings on how to create a more caring and happier society. I believe that, at school, many students need an approach offering more solidarity, support and appreciation of their personality. The same goes for teachers as well. Sensible decisions made by the Riigikogu may further improve our already excellent education system and the whole society along with it.
Electoral district:
Seniority in days:
1273
Date of birth:
23.07.1964
Place of birth:
Pärnu County, village of Ridalepa
Family:
Married, one son and two daughters
Education:
Pärnu Coeducational Gymnasium (former Secondary School No. 1) 1982;
University of Tartu, biology 1989;
theology 1996 (both degrees equivalent to Master’s degree)
University of Tartu, biology 1989;
theology 1996 (both degrees equivalent to Master’s degree)
Career:
Krabi Basic School, teacher of biology, chemistry and geography 1989–1992;
Hugo Treffner Gymnasium, teacher of religious studies and philosophy 1996–2016
Hugo Treffner Gymnasium, teacher of religious studies and philosophy 1996–2016
Party affiliation:
Social Democratic Party 2001–
Membership in representative bodies:
13th Riigikogu 2016–;
Tartu City Council 2005–2016, also elected in 2017
Tartu City Council 2005–2016, also elected in 2017
Awards:
Tartu Teacher of the Year 2006
Other activities:
Student corporation Ugala;
Estonian Association of Teachers of Religious Studies;
EELC Tartu St Paul congregation.
Lectures in the University of Tartu, Theological Seminary, Theological Seminary of the Estonian Methodist Church, Institute of Theology of the EELC, Tartu Academy of Theology, and Euroacademy;
classes on philosophy in the Miina Härma Gymnasium and Jaan Poska Gymnasium.
Textbooks on religious studies: „Piibliõpik ja dogmaatika alused” 1997 (“Bible Study Textbook and Principles of Dogmatics”), co-author of „Kiriku ajalugu ja tänapäev” 1999 (“History of Church and the Church Today”), co-author of „Usundimaailma suured küsimused” 2011 (“Big Questions in Religion”), collection of stories „Tohuvabohu ja teised” 1998, editor of the collection of interviews „Rääkides religioonist” 2001 (“Let’s Talk about Religion”). Articles in the press, including columns in the weekly paper of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church Eesti Kirik, and articles on school life in the teacher’s paper Õpetajate Leht
Estonian Association of Teachers of Religious Studies;
EELC Tartu St Paul congregation.
Lectures in the University of Tartu, Theological Seminary, Theological Seminary of the Estonian Methodist Church, Institute of Theology of the EELC, Tartu Academy of Theology, and Euroacademy;
classes on philosophy in the Miina Härma Gymnasium and Jaan Poska Gymnasium.
Textbooks on religious studies: „Piibliõpik ja dogmaatika alused” 1997 (“Bible Study Textbook and Principles of Dogmatics”), co-author of „Kiriku ajalugu ja tänapäev” 1999 (“History of Church and the Church Today”), co-author of „Usundimaailma suured küsimused” 2011 (“Big Questions in Religion”), collection of stories „Tohuvabohu ja teised” 1998, editor of the collection of interviews „Rääkides religioonist” 2001 (“Let’s Talk about Religion”). Articles in the press, including columns in the weekly paper of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church Eesti Kirik, and articles on school life in the teacher’s paper Õpetajate Leht
Hobbies:
reading, outdoor activities, recreational sports