This article traces the experiences of several outstanding teachers while explicating both the specific character of their teaching and how they were formed as teachers. These teachers' beliefs and the characteristics of their teaching style are examined in connection with the distinguishing features of the Russian schools in which they worked. In…

This follow-up study surveyed earlier winners of the St. Petersburg (Russia) mathematical Olympiad in 1991 (n=58) and 2001 (n=30). Findings are detailed concerning respondents' academic degrees, employment, publications, schools attended, and perceived quality of mathematical education. Respondents' views about education were conservative and…

This article discusses the effects of political and economic changes upon the internationally recognized Russian schools for mathematically and scientifically talented students. Threats to such schools include emigration, budget cutbacks to the schools, and people's growing disillusionment with science as a vehicle for economic and social…

This article examines the historical and current program at the Lavrentiev Physics-Mathematics Boarding School, a special school for highly gifted students in Novosibirsk, Russia. It notes that the declining prestige of mathematicians and physicists in Russia (compared to business-related careers) suggests the school may not continue to produce as…