Alexander Gurtzkaya – Educator. Scientist. Ideal father

Biography of the Honorary President of Jiji Gymnasium
The history and ideological foundations of GG Gymnasium are closely linked to the family of our founder, Dmitry Gurtskoy, and his parents. The title of Honorary President of the Gymnasium belongs to an outstanding educator, scientist, and true devotee of enlightenment – Alexander Gurtzkaya.
Early Years and Education
Alexander Gurtzkaya was born on October 14, 1933, in the village of Shamgona, Zugdidi District. He spent his childhood and youth immersed in a love for his homeland and a thirst for knowledge. He received his primary and secondary education at the Shamgona Eight-Year School and the Kakhati Secondary School.
After graduating from school, Mr. Alexander completed his mandatory military service between 1953 and 1955. During this time, he demonstrated strong leadership qualities and earned the officer rank of Lieutenant. This period was not only a time of gaining military experience but also a stage of deepening his sense of discipline and responsibility.
Pedagogical Activity and Scientific Achievements
Education was the main mission of Alexander Gurtzkaya’s life. In 1956–1957, he began his pedagogical career at schools in Shamgona, as well as at the 5th and 7th secondary schools in Zugdidi, where he taught military training and physical education.
However, his true calling lay in the humanities. In 1958, he enrolled in, and in 1964 graduated with honors from, the Faculty of Russian Language and Literature at the A. Tsulukidze Kutaisi State Pedagogical Institute.
From 1965 to 1990, for nearly twenty years, Mr. Alexander worked as a teacher of Russian language and literature at the Shamgona Eight-Year School. His professionalism and dedication were highly appreciated by the state, and he was awarded the honorary title of "Excellent Worker of Public Education of Georgia."
Alexander Gurtzkaya was not only a practicing teacher but also a thinker and researcher. Between 1970 and 1981, he actively participated in republican and all-Union pedagogical conferences and discussions. He defended his dissertation on the topic: "The Role of Television in Child Upbringing," earning the academic degree of Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences. He is the author of several books and scientific works that remain relevant to the theory and practice of education today.
Highest Recognition of Merit
Alexander Gurtzkaya’s invaluable contribution to the development of the education system and the upbringing of the younger generation was recognized at the highest state level. For special services to the country in the field of education, many years of conscientious work, and significant personal contribution to the development of pedagogy, Alexander Gurtzkaya, along with his son Dmitry, was awarded a high honor – the Presidential Order of Splendor.
This prestigious award became a symbol of recognition for their tireless efforts for the benefit of enlightenment and the strengthening of the country's intellectual potential.
Family and Legacy
Mr. Alexander and his wife, Mrs. Luiza, were the parents of three children and the main support in their upbringing. It is upon these family values, hard work, and intellectual traditions that the philosophy of Jiji Gymnasium is based. Among their children is the founder of our gymnasium, Dmitry Gurtskoy, who laid the knowledge and moral ideals received from his parents into the foundation of this educational institution.
From 1992 to 2022, Alexander Gurtzkaya lived and worked in Russia, in the city of Rostov-on-Don, where he continued his intellectual and public activities.
In Memoriam
The outstanding educator and scientist, Honorary President of GG-Gymnasium, Alexander Gurtzkaya, passed away on February 8, 2022, at the age of 88. He is buried in his native village of Shamgona, on the land where his life journey began.

The name of Alexander Gurtzkaya is preserved in GG -Gymnasium as the highest example of teaching professionalism, scientific devotion, and family values. His life, crowned with state awards and the love of his students, is immortalized in our hearts and in the history of the gymnasium.