Susanna is an English and French Teacher at Kinder International School in Bologna. She found her calling in teaching thanks to a childhood spent in a multicultural and international environment. Through her experience, Susanna has become a passionate educator, dedicated to transmitting not only language knowledge, but also cultural and human values. In this interview, we explore the roots of her career, the significant moments that have shaped her, and her dreams for the future of education.
A passion born from international experience
Susanna’s passion for teaching was born during her childhood, when she attended an international school abroad. Here, immersed in an environment where children of different nationalities united through a common language, English, she discovered the importance of an open-minded and cultural sharing. This context without cultural boundaries inspired in her the desire to teach in an international school, where she could continue to promote this inclusive and global vision.
Words That Change a Life
Susanna fondly recalls moments when her students have touched her deeply. One notable example was the essay of a student who described her classes as fun and educational, encouraging her to continue in teaching. Another student confided that the classes on civil rights in the United States had opened his eyes to the difficulties experienced by African Americans. This honest and touching feedback has strengthened her belief in the value of her job.
Teaching as a Cultural Exchange
Susanna finds the most rewarding part of her job in the opportunity to meet students from all over the world and learn about their different cultures. Observing how these children, despite their cultural differences, create bonds of friendship, confirms to her that education is a powerful tool for overcoming barriers. For Susanna, every day is an opportunity to learn from students as much as to teach them.
A dream of continuous discoveries
Susanna’s dream for the school is to make educational experiences richer and more frequent, organizing visits to museums or trips at least two or three times a month. Although she recognizes that it may seem an ambitious desire, Susanna believes that such experiences are essential to broaden students’ horizons, taking them outside the school walls and immersing them in the reality of the world.
A contribution of friendship and learning
Susanna hopes that her students will remember her lessons with pleasure and understand the importance of seeing each topic from different perspectives, with an interdisciplinary approach. As for the school community, she wants to contribute to creating a friendly and positive environment, where everyone can feel comfortable and appreciated.
