Selene is a joyful, reflective, and internationally minded educator who joined The Island Private School in 2024 as a PYP Mentor and Class Teacher. With nearly two decades of teaching experience across Europe and Latin America, Selene brings warmth, creativity, and deep expertise in early and primary years education.
Selene holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from the University of Cumbria, as well as an International Baccalaureate Certificate in Teaching and Learning and the International Teacher Certificate through ECIS and the University of Cambridge. She also holds an International Montessori Teaching Certificate and a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from the University of Colima in Mexico.

Before joining our school, Selene spent over 12 years at the International School of Paris, where she taught in both early years and specialist roles. Her teaching style is grounded in play-based and inquiry-led learning, inspired by both the IB PYP and Reggio Emilia approaches. She creates safe, nurturing, and inspiring environments where children are empowered as curious, capable meaning-makers.

As a PYP Mentor, Selene supports her colleagues in curriculum planning, reflection, and creating enriching learning experiences. She is known for her open-minded, collaborative, and mindful approach to both teaching and professional growth.

Selene speaks English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, and brings with her a truly global perspective — both in the classroom and across the school community.

Karen Rodriguez is a passionate, bilingual educator with over a decade of experience in international education and the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). Since joining The Island Private School in September 2023, she has played a key role in the PYP team as both a Class Teacher and a Mentor, supporting colleagues in delivering engaging, inquiry-based learning experiences.

Karen holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with a specialisation in English from Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja in Ecuador and a Master’s degree in Psychopedagogy (Educational Psychology) from UNIR, Spain. Her postgraduate studies focused on teaching and learning processes, learning difficulties, educational assessment and intervention, academic guidance, and supporting both teachers and families. Her educational background is further enriched by a range of professional development courses, including IB PYP training, emotional education, mindfulness, and learning through movement.

Before joining The Island Private School, Karen worked at several international schools, including Colegio Terranova and Colegio Alberto Einstein, where she led PYP classrooms across multiple grades (1st–5th) and served as a PYP Exhibition Lead Teacher and Mentor. She also gained early childhood experience at Children's Center "Burbujitas del Saber" and Sion International Christian School.

Karen’s teaching style is warm, reflective, and highly student-centred. She focuses on inquiry-based and project-based learning, creating meaningful educational experiences tailored to her students' interests, strengths, and needs. As a mentor, she supports colleagues with planning, pedagogy, and reflective practice. Karen speaks English and Spanish, and brings a compassionate, collaborative spirit to everything she does helping foster a nurturing and inspiring learning environment for both students and staff.

Tammy is an experienced international educator who brings over 10 years of classroom expertise from schools across South Africa, Macau, and Cambodia. She joined us in September 2025 as a PYP Class Teacher, bringing with her a deep commitment to inclusive education and a passion for inquiry-based learning.

Tammy holds a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Development, a Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive Education, and an Advanced Diploma in Remedial Education. She has completed a range of professional development programmes, including training with the International Baccalaureate, Google Education, and Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Tammy has served as a homeroom teacher across various grade levels and has held team leadership roles at international schools such as The International School of Macao, Rallim Preparatory, and The Canadian International School of Phnom Penh. Her teaching draws on Reggio Emilia-inspired practices, STEAM integration, and structured literacy programmes to foster meaningful, child-centred learning.

Tammy’s educational philosophy centres on empowering students to discover their passions, think critically and creatively, and become confident contributors to their communities. Her classroom is known for being joyful, inclusive, and filled with hands-on learning opportunities.

She is a native English speaker and also speaks Afrikaans as a second language.

Alexandra is a passionate and creative educator with more than a decade of teaching experience in international settings across the UK, China, and Hong Kong. She joined us as a PYP Class Teacher in September 2025, bringing with her a deep enthusiasm for inquiry-based learning and a holistic approach to child development.
Alexandra holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from the University of Cumbria, a BA (Hons) in Children’s Literature and Sociology from The Open University, and a CELTA certificate from Cambridge University. Her training also includes classroom management, safeguarding, first aid awareness, and inclusive teaching practices.

Throughout her career, Alexandra has worked in a range of international schools, including St. John’s Catholic Primary School in Hong Kong and Victoria Kindergarten in Shenzhen. She has taught a wide age range of learners, from early years to primary, and has extensive experience as an EAL specialist. Her teaching style combines creativity, structured language development, and student-centred activities that support both academic growth and social-emotional well-being.

In recent years, Alexandra has led oracy programmes, guided reading initiatives, and student wellness activities such as yoga and dance. She integrates literacy technologies and phonics-based strategies (like Jolly Phonics and Space Town) into her teaching to enhance learner engagement.

Alexandra speaks English (native) and has lived and taught in multilingual, multicultural environments. She is committed to nurturing each child’s curiosity and confidence through a joyful, respectful classroom culture.

Victoria is a highly experienced international educator who joined The Island Private School as a PYP Class Teacher in September 2025. With a rich background in primary education across Europe, Asia, and Latin America, she brings deep expertise, cultural awareness, and a passion for nurturing confident, creative learners.
Victoria holds a PGCE in Primary Education from the University of Buckingham, a Master’s in Education (Applied Linguistics) from The Open University, and a BA in International Business and Japanese from Dublin City University. Her additional training spans inclusive education, languages, and innovative teaching tools such as AI and 3D printing.

Over nearly two decades, Victoria has taught at top international schools, including The Heritage Private School (Cyprus), International British School of Bucharest, and El Plantio British International School in Valencia. She has held leadership roles such as Key Stage 1 Coordinator, Primary Science Lead, and Sustainability Committee Leader. Her teaching blends the British curriculum, project-based learning, and inquiry-led approaches tailored to each student’s needs.

Victoria is known for her compassionate classroom management, clear communication with families, and dedication to creating inclusive and dynamic learning environments. She has also led extracurricular activities in languages, science, and student well-being.

She speaks English (native), Japanese (advanced), Spanish (intermediate), and has studied Romanian and Greek. Victoria believes in lifelong learning and regularly participates in CPD and community service, including volunteer work with children and mental health organisations.

Tran Thuy Dung (Zung) is a dynamic and multilingual educator who joined The Island Private School in September 2023 as a PYP Homeroom Teacher. With rich international teaching experience across Cyprus, Vietnam, and Mongolia, Zung brings creativity, structure, and a passion for inquiry-based learning to her classroom. At The Island School, she designs engaging, student-centred lessons and leads professional development workshops to promote cross-disciplinary collaboration among her colleagues. Zung has earned Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) from the University of Sunderland (UK) and holds a Master's degree in Smart Education Technology from the University Côte d'Azur (France). She also possesses an International Postgraduate Certificate in Education (iPGCE) from the University of Derby (UK) and a Bachelor’s degree in French Language and Culture with distinction from the University of Languages and International Studies in Hanoi. Zung is fluent in Vietnamese, English, and French. Prior to her current role, Zung served as a Curriculum Coordinator at the Western Australia School System, where she led curriculum planning and development for the American Diploma and IB Diploma Programmes. Her previous experience also includes delivering the IB PYP curriculum at Renaissance International School Saigon and The English School of Mongolia. Zung’s approach to teaching is warm, engaging, and responsive to students’ individual learning needs. As Maths Coordinator, she supports cross-grade collaboration, curriculum alignment, and innovative strategies to make mathematics accessible, meaningful, and fun for all learners. Her collaborative spirit, attention to student well-being, and international perspective make her a valued member of the PYP team and broader school community.

Andre joined The Island Private School in September 2025 as a PYP Class Teacher. Originally from South Africa, he brings over six years of international teaching experience across diverse educational contexts including South Africa, Sudan, and Cameroon. He holds a Bachelor of Education in Foundation and Intermediate Phases (Grades 1–7) from the Centre for Creative Education in Cape Town, as well as a diploma in Coaching and Fitness Science. Andre has taught in Waldorf, State, and IB PYP schools and has a strong foundation in Concept-Based Inquiry. Most recently, he worked at the American School of Douala and Khartoum International Community School, where he not only taught primary grades but also led professional learning teams and contributed to school-wide planning and accreditation initiatives. With a passion for movement-based learning and a background in fitness and Capoeira, Andre integrates creativity, music, and kinaesthetic experiences into his teaching to foster deeper engagement and emotional connection in the classroom. His warm and adaptable teaching style supports student wellbeing while promoting meaningful inquiry. Andre is a native English speaker and is known for his collaborative approach and deep commitment to child development and holistic education.

Anastasios (Tasos) joined The Island Private School in September 2023. He holds a Master’s degree in TESOL and a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, both from the University of Leicester, UK. Before joining our team, Anastasios worked as an English teacher at several private institutions in Cyprus, where he supported young learners’ literacy development through creative storytelling and reading activities. He also has diverse professional experience in the online marketing sector, where he held roles in compliance, quality control, and performance coaching—further enhancing his communication, analytical, and training skills. Anastasios brings a cheerful, thoughtful, student-centred approach to teaching. His classroom style fosters literacy, confidence, and emotional growth through engaging activities and open communication with both students and parents. He is fluent in English and Greek and speaks Spanish.

Vaiva joined The Island Private School in September 2024, bringing with her a rich background in primary and language education across multiple countries. She holds a Master of Science in Comparative and International Education from Stockholm University and a Bachelor's degree in Educational Sciences from Klaipėda University, Lithuania. Over the past decade, Vaiva has taught in Lithuania, Sweden, and Cyprus, working in private English schools and language institutes. Her experience includes teaching English using Cambridge curriculum, developing CLIL-based lesson plans, and integrating interactive, student-centred approaches into her classrooms. Her lessons are known for being dynamic, inclusive, and creatively tailored to meet the needs of individual learners. Vaiva speaks Lithuanian, English, and conversational Swedish, and has basic knowledge of Russian and Greek. Her warm and flexible teaching style, combined with a passion for language and cultural education, make her a valuable addition to the PYP team.

Eleni joined The Island Private School in September 2022 and has contributed to our school community in a variety of roles, including Afternoon Programme Teacher and Greek Language Teacher. In the 2025–2026 academic year, she steps into the role of Co-Teacher, bringing her warmth, energy, and strong pedagogical foundation to the Primary Years Programme. Eleni holds a Master's degree in Educational Administration and a Bachelor's degree in Primary Education from the University of Frederick in Cyprus. Her academic focus has included the role of parents in supporting children's mathematical learning through technology, and she actively engages with professional development opportunities across diverse topics, including child protection, multicultural education, and creative teaching strategies. In addition to her teaching background, Eleni has experience leading educational workshops and integrating the arts—including music, storytelling, and traditional dance—into her classroom. Her teaching style is caring, inclusive, and play-based, supporting children's curiosity and sense of belonging. Eleni is fluent in Greek and English and brings a strong sense of collaboration, humour, and dedication to her work with students and colleagues.

Timoklia joined The Island Private School in September 2022 and has since supported our students in various roles, including Afternoon Programme Teacher and Greek Language Teacher. In the 2025–2026 academic year, she takes on the role of Co-Teacher within the PYP team, bringing dedication, warmth, and a strong background in primary education. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Primary Education from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has completed further training in child development, differentiated instruction, and creative teaching strategies. Her professional journey includes teaching in both public and private schools in Cyprus and Greece, with a focus on creating inclusive and engaging learning environments. Timoklia is known for her nurturing approach, strong collaboration with colleagues, and ability to support students in building confidence and independence. She integrates music, language, and play-based strategies into her daily teaching practice. She is fluent in Greek and English and is a valued member of our school community.

Antria joined The Island Private School in September 2022 and has supported our students through a variety of roles, including Waldorf pre-primary co-teacher and cover teacher in Primary School. In the 2024 she steps into the role of Co-Teacher, contributing her linguistic expertise and warm, structured teaching approach to the PYP team. Antria holds a degree in Russian Philology from People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), with a specialisation in teaching Russian as a foreign language. She has experience working with multilingual learners and brings strong communication skills developed through her time in both education and international business settings. Known for her calm presence and strong organisational skills, Antria supports students with clarity, care, and a focus on cross-cultural understanding. She is fluent in Greek, Russian, and English.

Timoklia joined The Island Private School in September 2022 and has since supported our students in various roles, including Afternoon Programme Teacher and Greek Language Teacher. In the 2025–2026 academic year, she takes on the role of Co-Teacher within the PYP team, bringing dedication, warmth, and a strong background in primary education. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Primary Education from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has completed further training in child development, differentiated instruction, and creative teaching strategies. Her professional journey includes teaching in both public and private schools in Cyprus and Greece, with a focus on creating inclusive and engaging learning environments. Timoklia is known for her nurturing approach, strong collaboration with colleagues, and ability to support students in building confidence and independence. She integrates music, language, and play-based strategies into her daily teaching practice. She is fluent in Greek and English and is a valued member of our school community.

Christina joined The Island Private School in September 2022 as a Co-Teacher, bringing with her a rich background in language teaching and a warm, multilingual approach to supporting students in the PYP classrooms. She holds a Master’s degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Tartu in Estonia and a Level 5 Certificate in TESOL from Trinity College London. Christina has over a decade of teaching experience in Cyprus, having worked as a tutor of English and French for students of all ages and levels. In addition to her work in schools and language centres, she has taught privately and supported learners with diverse needs and goals. Christina is known for her calm and supportive classroom presence and her ability to adapt her teaching style to meet each student’s individual learning path. Her strong communication skills and intercultural awareness add to the inclusive spirit of the school. She is fluent in Russian and English, speaks French proficiently, Estonian at an intermediate level, and has basic knowledge of Japanese.