About the author

Professional Profile

I have been an English teacher in Secondary Education since 1993. I have experience teaching History and a strong command of German. Throughout my career, I have actively engaged my students in various interdisciplinary projects that foster creativity, cultural awareness, and environmental consciousness.

In my English classes, we explore poetry, literature, and local History, integrating artistic expression through painting and performance. One of my key initiatives involves selecting poetic lines, enacting them through photography, and creating videos that bring poetry to life. What truly makes these initiatives special is the active participation of my students. I provide all necessary materials to support their engagement in these creative projects, and their enthusiasm and creativity never fail to inspire me.

Technology plays a significant role in my teaching approach. I have led projects on IT integration, encouraging students to develop digital literacy and multimedia skills. I have also initiated and participated in environmental projects, such as collaborations with the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. Notable initiatives include:

• “How to Make an Origami Flapping Bird” (2020) – A creative workshop on traditional craftsmanship.
• “Seascapes” (2021) – A visual arts project inspired by maritime themes.

Further extending our environmental efforts, my students and I have designed and built tables and chairs for the school garden (GEL Exaplatanou) using repurposed pallets, painted old car tyres, and planted herbs, fostering sustainability and teamwork. All materials were self-provided. 

My passion for History has led me to work on World War II-related video projects, one of which won a competition. This project granted my students the opportunity to visit Auschwitz with the Jewish Museum of Greece. Additionally, we participated in a project dedicated to Theodorakis’s works, deepening students’ appreciation for cultural heritage.

For the past eight years, I have guided my students in writing their short stories under Once Upon a Time. I compile and print these stories each year into a book, offering students a tangible memento of their final school year.

Beyond the classroom, I have been actively involved in eTwinning projects and Erasmus initiatives. I have dedicated significant time and effort to securing partnerships, writing numerous proposals, and coordinating collaborations. One of my significant accomplishments was obtaining an Erasmus project for my previous school, 2nd Gymnasio Diavata, in partnership with Poland, titled Language Competence as a Chance for Development. Due to my continued involvement, this project remains active, with additional support from my long-time colleague from Lithuania. These international collaborations have not only enriched my teaching experience but also broadened the horizons of my students, making them more globally aware and culturally sensitive.

At my current school, 1st EPAL Sykeon [a Vocational School in Thessaloniki with students aged 16+ that follows both a general secondary curriculum and specialized subjects in Medicine, Electricity, IT, and Finance], where I have been teaching since September 2022, I initiated, codeveloped, and successfully implemented the Erasmus project Culture Creators and Carriers. I do so with a second ongoing Erasmus project, Europe: We Are the Colors of the Rainbow. These projects, which require extensive dedication and personal investment, are a testament to my commitment to offering students valuable international learning experiences., focusing on human rights, inclusive education, and environmental awareness. My participation extends to international conferences, where I have presented lesson plans and collaborated with educators worldwide.

Continuing my lifelong learning journey, I have recently begun studying Italian using the Duolingo app, following in the footsteps of my sons.

My teaching philosophy centres on fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility toward society and the environment. With my students, I strive to create meaningful learning experiences beyond textbooks, preparing them for the future with knowledge, skills, and a deep appreciation for the world around them.