Christiana Kalantzi

Teacher of English

My whole life, I dreamt of being a Primary Education teacher and I managed to fulfil that dream in 2013. During my studies, I was challenged to be creative and nurturing but as I love being among kids, that part was not difficult.

In 2015, I completed my masters degree in Special and Inclusive Education at UCL, Institute of Education, London. I was compassionate towards these students but I also tried to make them part of the society and the modern job market. In 2016, I started working as a teacher in a school in Hatfield, UK. I was teaching Year 3. This year was vital as I embedded and practised the current English National Curriculum. On a day to day basis, I built my confidence and experience in the class with my students.

In 2016, I moved to Romania and I started working at an International School. The challenges here were different as many of my students were EAL (English as an additional language) so I had to change my perspective and my teaching. Teaching young children with no English revealed that I had to use other techniques like gestures and role play to teach all the necessary learning objectives. I have also been an Early Years Coordinator. My creativity and communication skills allowed me to work well with/understand the needs of students and teachers. I organised training sessions and presentations for all the staff and modelled lessons in order to help my colleagues plan and teach effectively.

In 2016, I also started teaching by using the Mantle of the Expert Approach. This method empowers learners to take on the role of experts, fostering immersive and inquiry-based learning. 

In 2023, I completed a second masters degree in Educational Leadership at UCL, London.  I strongly believe that teachers should continue to learn and expand their knowledge as they teach. 

I am glad that I am part of the Avenor team and I am really excited for the upcoming year. Alongside the primary children, we are going to create amazing experiences.