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What are you leading?
I have built a new school in Latvia. It is in small town Cēsis. With this school I have tried to redefine the learning approach, school environment, teacher and parent collaboration. Because of our school, ~50 families have changed their lifestyle, work and have moved even from capital to live in Cesis, so that their child can learn in Cesis New Primary school. This is large number for Latvia.
It started with parent initiative and parents still play crucial role in school’s development and everyday life. It is difficult to describe how we differ. I usually say - we live. We have systems and structures in place, but they can easily change if situation, people, environment is changing. Main thing that we try to do – involve students in decision making, let them lead school, let them do practical world so that life in school is closely connected with the one outside the school.
For four years, I have been principal of this school. I was responsible for everything, including teaching students, leading teachers, being responsible for paperwork. Often cleaning dishes when needed and building classroom walls as we didn’t have enough money. Now I am responsible for teacher training, teacher development and leading all education process, especially implementing new teaching strategies and approaches.
How did your experiences as a fellow inspire or prepare you for what you’re doing now?
I have learned two things – go deeper and look wider.
Mission Possible has been great place where to meet amazing, intelligent and bright people who are not only talking about needed changes, but are realizing them. They have been great support when advice or help is needed. In Mission Possible I met the most inspiring, smart, supportive and handsome man, who became my husband. As you might guess school wouldn’t be possible without his support.
Since I have opened school I have received very limited support from Mission Possible. Any school that is not established by state or local government belongs to category “private”, even if the school is not business. Mission Possible do not support private schools and do not work with primary schools. I have received appreciating and support from Teach For All that always gives energy for larger goals.
I must admit that my relationship with program has had ups and downs, but I am thankful that program has noticed my hard work and has given an opportunity to participate in events organized by Teach For All. All the conferences, seminars or projects organized by TFA’ll have significantly impacted my work right now.
Alumni info
Partner
Alumni Cohort
2010
Current Home
Cēsis, Latvia
Subject(s) Taught
Economics, Business, Geography
Support
2002
Opened Valmiera student council (Valmiera is my town). Me and my friends we were thrown out of school’s student parliament, claiming we wanted too many changes. So we created council in the town. Because of this council I developed collaboration skills, management skills, learned to lead team, became more self-confident. Because of many projects I did in this council, had an opportunity to travel in Europe, there I also learned English.
2002
While studying in High school became private teacher to one 3rd grade student.
2008-2010
Exchange studies in France and Norway, voluntary work in Iceland with youth projects.
2010
Became participant of Mission Possible 3rd cohort.
2011
Participated in my first Community of Practice “Excellent Classrooms Fellowship
organized by Teach for All. Mission Possible offered this opportunity.
2012
Participated as facilitator in Teach for All global workshop “Transformational Teaching"in Chicago.
2012
Gustavs, my son was born. He is my main motivation to build school.
2013
Built school
2014
Participated in Global conference organized by Teach for All and Teach for India. This was the conference where I defined clear vision for my school.
2015
Was nominated as TOP 10 for TOYP in category “Children."
2016
Received “Reach for Change” Change Leader prize in Latvia.
2016
Participated in Teach for All Community of Practice “School Leaders”. This CoP has been like a fuel to my leadership. First years of school were very demanding and exhausting, after year of cooperation I have more energy for the next stage of schools development. Could participate because I am alumni of Mission Possible.
2016
Participation in Teach for All Global Annual conference, Bulgaria.
2017
Participated in roundtable “Teacher mindsets and actions” organized by Teach for All. During this discussion I decided to leave principle role to have more time working with teachers.
Also location School 21 was very inspiring – after seeing this school I implemented project based learning in my school. Opportunity was offered by Teach For All.
2017
Was selected to be on Varkey Teacher Ambassadors Advisory board representing Europe.
2017
Was invited to be Awecademy Global Ambassador and work on board of educators.