Coffee with a Teacher - George Mchedlishvili

Article by Nina Kurdghelia 

Edited by Elene Mansvetashvili 

Source GZAAT Gazette

On a lovely Friday afternoon, after the school assembly, George Mchedlishvili and I sat down for a cup of coffee at Tolia. We discussed many topics, both regarding school and personal life. 

George had some great things to share considering he started teaching at GZAAT in 2001. He was in the first generation of teachers at GZAAT, he was selected to teach at the academy in 1999, interviewed by Givi Zaldastanishvili and Donald Thomas. He studied at Harvard Grad School of Education for one year and taught Mathematics here at the academy for 8 years before taking a 13-year-long break in 2008 and returning in 2022. “It's been a really happy development in my life. I like being back to see the school grow in terms of numbers, in terms of the quality, in terms of the dedication of the teachers and administration, it's a really happy place.”

George shared his experience in Harvard and how hard it was getting used to their work ethic and tight schedules “It was extremely useful, very tough, because being a citizen of Georgia and being used to not very high education standards here, that was extremely hard. the first several months, the assignments were very big and the academic level of the students was extremely high, the professors were very dedicated and well, it took some time to adapt, but I think that despite being very busy, despite, my not being able to sleep no more than four or five hours a day during this time I think, I managed and that was in terms of discipline in terms of academic credentials, that was very rewarding the Harvard gave me a lot, not only in terms of like self-discipline, but also in terms of confidence.” The main difference between the people was how busy they were there. Everyone had a very tight schedule, and it was hard to find time to see your friends and family. “If I want to casually meet a friend, I cannot just call them and arrange a meeting like the following date. Usually, it takes weeks of preparation, so that was tough for me. Here in Georgia, we have other sorts of relationships between people, but they understand that is the price they pay for the efficiency that the country has.” And after getting a diploma from Harvard, George came to teach at GZAAT. Being disappointed as an employee in Tbilisi and craving to make a change, when an opportunity came to go to Harvard and teach at a school that had such great values he decided to take it. “The general atmosphere in the country was, I would not say entirely hopeless, but very deem. So, not very optimistic. And while I realized that first of all, I can make a change, I will be at the forefront of societal change because my good quality education is something that will change the country for the better. And secondly to go to Harvard and get the degree.” Before Harvard, Mr. George got a degree in physics from Tbilisi State University, made a sharp turn, and worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for eight years. The quality of Mr. George’s education should not be doubted since he has much knowledge in physics and mathematics, and not only, “I started working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I also graduated from the Tbilisi Institute of Oriental Studies, a bachelor of International relations and international politics. So later on after my return from Harvard University in 2006, I did a PhD in political science.” Mr. George never misses an opportunity for involvement and always tries to learn more to teach better, “I feel that in order to upgrade my academic knowledge, I need a fellowship or scholarship, in some other countries. So that's why, over the last 20 years, I made a four-month fellowship in Paris, six months fellowship twice, in Washington, another six months fellowship in London. related to international affairs and international research.” In 2014, when Mr. George was a Bush fellow at the Chatham House, the royal family would visit the institute once a year, this particular year the Queen and Prince Phillip visited the institute, “we had a very short but nice conversation, I remember the Queen wished Georgia peace and wisdom, I think these are the features our country still needs.”

Alongside being a wonderful and very busy teacher, Mr. George has some great interests such as reading, following international news, traveling, and singing “Until 2020, I was an amateur singer. I even have a YouTube channel. but, unfortunately, in 2020, I developed a problem. So I cannot do that right now. So, therefore, now I'm working on restoring my ability.” Mr. George has been to many countries but to name his favorite places he chose Vienna, Barcelona, and Boston. “where I feel at home, so more than any other cities are Vienna, Barcelona, and Boston at the moment. I hope that this list will increase. speaking of traveling, I have been to Russia several times, I very much regret that Russia is developing into such a nasty state as it is today, and I no longer enjoy going there, but well, Saint Petersburg is a very beautiful city and I dream of a time when I go to that city, which will be a part of a better country than it is today.” And of course, as a teacher, it is hard to travel during the school year, as the best teacher in the US said, “‘There are three great advantages of being a teacher; each of these advantages are June, July, and August.’ Teachers are blessed with a long holiday that lasts for almost 2 and a half months in the summer and three weeks in the winter, these longer breaks of course are very helpful. People are not only professionals, they're citizens and to be a responsible citizen and to have a rewarding life, you have to grow, you have to develop, you have to have time outside your main obligations, and kind of long summer months are a lovely opportunity, to welcome myself for self-improvement. ” During the free summer months Mr. George enjoyed catching up on fitness and going to the swimming pool. If there is an opportunity, he always tries to visit another country, “I don't always fulfill that dream of mine, but I like to add another country to the list of the countries I visited. Well, of course summer is a very good opportunity for that. Particularly with the visa free, which so far we enjoy.”

And lastly, while grading students’ works, Mr. George enjoys going to the coffee shop, his usual order is either an Americano with milk, or a Cappuccino.