Ninah Tiemersma named Alumnus of the Year 2026

Ninah Tiemersma has been named the University of Groningen’s Alumnus of the Year 2026. Tiemersma, a teacher in classical languages, receives the award for the exceptional way in which she approaches her profession, employing her own unique pedagogical approach. ‘In everything she does, the central theme is that stories and literature can become meaningful at existential moments,’ the jury stated in their report.

Classical languages teacher with an original approach

Tiemersma (1997) completed a Bachelor’s degree in Classical Studies and a Master’s degree in Education in Language and Cultural Studies at the University of Groningen. She teaches Greek and Latin Language and Culture at the Stedelijk Gymnasium Piter Jelles in Leeuwarden. But Tiemersma is more than a teacher. She demonstrates how topical and relevant her subject area remains today, even for young people. In her lessons, she uses texts from Antiquity to teach her pupils how to deal with intense emotions in the present day. Pupils read tragedies or myths together and use those stories as a starting point to discuss stress, pressure, emotions, and resilience. ‘It would be such a pity’, she says, ‘if classrooms were only used as places to pass on knowledge. You’re a person, with other people who are also learning and developing.’ She has largely devised this pedagogical approach on her own. In 2025, thanks to her unique approach, she was selected as Teacher of the Year. According to the jury, she is using her profession and subject matter to help pupils develop into individuals.

Inspiring others

Tiemersma also wants to inspire others, such as her fellow teachers and other professional colleagues. Everything she does revolves around her conviction that stories and literature can be meaningful during existential moments. She gives workshops, lectures, and coaching, and even goes on stage in theatres to talk about personal trauma, the healing power of literature from the classical era, and the importance of mental wellbeing in the education sector. This is a meaningful way for knowledge to contribute to society. In the eyes of the jury, this makes her a highly deserving Alumnus of the Year 2026.

A tribute to all teachers

Although the profession of secondary school teacher is perhaps one of the most important professions in our society, there are too few teachers. ‘By presenting this award, we as a university certainly wish to express our great appreciation for all those teachers working in secondary education, from VMBO (secondary vocational education) to gymnasium (pre-university),’ said the jury.

Tiemersma will be one of the speakers at the Opening of the Academic Year on 31 August. The autumn edition of the alumni magazine Broerstraat 5 will feature an in-depth interview with her. An interview with Tiemersma previously appeared in the winter 2025 edition of Broerstraat 5.