With more than a decade of experience teaching languages with a unique style that emphasizes empathy, clarity and meaningful communication, Petr Kandidatov fosters a learning environment free of anxiety, with clear expectations and thoughtful feedback, all while prioritizing the needs of his students.
This lecturer in the Department of Global Languages and Cultures, part of the College of Arts and Sciences, specializes in the Russian and German languages. “My goal is to show students they can achieve more in a new language than they thought possible,” he said. “Language learning works best when students feel supported and can clearly see the purpose behind each task. From the first day of every course, I focus on building rapport, lowering anxiety, and creating an environment where students feel comfortable taking risks.”
With his innovative curriculum and dedication to student learning, he is set to receive the Provost Academic Professional Track Faculty Teaching Excellence Award in March, along with two other College of Arts and Sciences faculty members, Drs. Larry May and Glenn Miller.
Established in 2019, the award recognizes faculty for exceptional teaching practices and creating impactful experiences for students.
“Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful,” he said. “Teaching is the work I care about most, and it has been the focus of my entire career. To have that work recognized at the university level is both humbling and motivating.”
A Global Path In Language Education
Originally from Moscow, Kandidatov earned a Bachelor of Arts in the theory and methodology of teaching foreign languages and cultures from Moscow Pedagogical State University, where he was recognized among the “Best Moscow University Graduates of 2007.” He also earned a postgraduate diploma as a teacher of Russian as a foreign language at Moscow State University.
Later, he continued his studies in the United States at Southern Arkansas University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in modern languages, followed by a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), receiving the Outstanding Graduate Student Award from the College of Education.
Language learning teaches patience, empathy and the ability to see the world through another perspective, all of which serve students long after graduation. Whether they go on to use German or Russian professionally or simply carry a broader worldview into their lives, I hope the experience expands their sense of what is possible.
Building Confidence Beyond Vocabulary and Grammar
Kandidatov notes that authentic breakthrough moments are what make teaching rewarding.
“The greatest joy comes from watching students realize, often suddenly, that they can communicate in a language that once felt intimidating or impossible,” he said. “That moment when a student who started as a hesitant beginner begins expressing real ideas in Russian or German, never gets old.”
As students’ creativity and curiosity emerge in unexpected ways — through impromptu questions and clever language use — Kandidatov finds deep satisfaction in the small moments of engagement and in watching students grow into confident communicators.
High student ratings and significant proficiency gains, including intermediate-level oral proficiency scores after two semesters, demonstrate the effectiveness of his approach.
“Mr. Kandidatov consistently receives high student evaluation scores — among the highest in the college — and students note that he fosters an inclusive and stress-free classroom environment in which students receive individual attention, empathy and flexibility to learn,” said Dr. Sarah M. Misemer, professor and department head in the Department of Global Languages and Cultures.
He savors the opportunity to renew and refine his curriculum, designing his own instructional materials — including slideshows, worksheets and instructional videos — with a goal to engage students with the material more deeply and create resources that support communication and comprehension.
He also developed Russian Readers, a mobile app featuring grade-level stories, audio, images and embedded grammar tutorials. The app has more than 1,000 global subscribers and is freely accessible to Texas A&M students, who use it as an additional resource outside the classroom.
Gradually moving away from traditional textbooks, Kandidatov is working to make them optional rather than required. Instead, his courses use self-designed materials that are engaging, relevant, interactive and freely accessible.
“I hope my courses leave students with more than vocabulary and grammar,” he said. “I want them to walk away with confidence, curiosity and the sense that they are capable of learning difficult things through consistent effort.”
In addition to his classroom work, he is a faculty mentor to students in the Slavic Club and furthers his teaching methods through courses with the Association of College and University Educators and workshops hosted by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages and the university’s Center for Teaching Excellence.
Leading Students Across Borders
Kandidatov has also supervised Russian study abroad programs in Central Asia, including Texas A&M’s Project GO program in Kyrgyzstan.
In addition, he has been collaborating with the School of Russian and Asian Studies (SRAS) in Kyrgyzstan to develop new study abroad programs for American students studying Russian. Last year, he helped SRAS organize and lead an inaugural travel adventure program for 12 students learning Russian as a second language, accompanying them abroad through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Students spent eight weeks honing their Russian language skills in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and by the time they departed for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, Kandidatov encouraged a Russian-only speaking rule to fully immerse students and boost their confidence as they engaged with local guides, ordered meals and connected with peers from the two countries.
Through his dedication, efforts to create an innovative curriculum and commitment to interactive experiences, Petr Kandidatov continues to inspire and support his students, encouraging them to pursue learning challenges with curiosity and confidence.