Meet The Leadership Team

Karolina Plaszczyk

IPS Playschool Principal

My educational background

• M.A. Pedagogy – University of Wroclaw
• M.A. Psychology – SWPS University
• Postgraduate Studies Early Childhood Education – University of Wroclaw
• Postgraduate Studies Educational Institutions Management – Lower Silesian University
• International Baccalaureate Professional Development: Making the PYP Happen

My professional background

When I began my time at IPS I served as a Homeroom Teacher for Pre-K1, Pre-K2 and Kindergarten groups. In 2013, I was offered the position of the IPS Playschool Manager. Since 2017, I have had the great pleasure to lead the IPS Playschool first as the Vice-Principal and now as the IPS Playschool Principal.

Before IPS I worked as an English Teacher working with children from toddlers to teenagers. During my University Studies, I was part of a team that coordinated musical and sporting events both in Wroclaw and in London. There I practiced my English skills as well as gained valuable experience working in an international environment.

I’m passionate about

Early Education! I believe that children are curious, open minded and bright. Working with them is an amazing adventure as they learn to share their enthusiasm and creativity. It is also a great challenge understanding how children see the world, develop, and gain new skills and knowledge. For me Early Education is a wonderful balance between all areas of child development and we are doing our very best to help students achieve their dreams and become joyful and satisfied adults.

During my free time I love  travelling, reading, listening to music and cooking dishes from different countries and cuisines. I am a happy wife,  the mother of two lovely girls, as well as the owner of a little home-zoo that includes colorful fish, stick bugs, a cat and a dog.

Hali Ray

IPS Primary and Lower Secondary Principal

My educational background

• B.S. Interrelated Special Education & Early Childhood
• M.Ed. Interrelated Special Education & Early Childhood
• Ed.S. Educational Leadership
• Certified PreK-5 General Special Education & Early Childhood
• Certified K-12 Special Education Adapted Curriculum
• K-5 Science Endorsement – Kennesaw State University
• International Baccalaureate Professional Development: Making the PYP Happen
• Harvard Graduate School of Education Professional Education – The Opportunity of Bilingualism: Serving Today’s Young English Language Learners
• Leading the Learning – PYP (Cat.2), IB Professional Development

My professional background

During my time at  IPS I  have served as a Grade 4 and Grade 5 Homeroom Teacher as well as the IPS Spelling Bee Coordinator. Later I was promoted to IPS Vice Principal & Curriculum Manager, IB PYP Coordinator, and Cambridge International Assessment Testing Coordinator. I now serve as Principal for IPS Primary & Lower Secondary.

Before IPS I taught both inclusion and resource Special Education to students with a variety of disabilities. I developed the Emotional and Behavior Disabilities classroom that served students from all over the school district who exhibited behaviors that could not be maintained in the regular school setting. I served as Lead Special Education Teacher for two elementary schools, managing the Special Education Departments in each and serving as liaison between the School District Central Office and the individual schools. I worked with students, teachers, administrators, and parents to monitor all documentation, oversee student services, and manage all IEP meetings for around 160 students. Outside of school I coached middle school girls soccer and tutored at a local after school program.

I’m passionate about

Music, food, both eating and cooking, the great outdoors, and travel. I love visiting new places, trying local cuisine, and taking pictures to preserve each and every moment possible!

Dr Eric Kane Johnson

IPS Upper Secondary Principal

My professional background

My career in education started in the USA, specifically North Carolina, and has taken me to Czech Republic, Spain, and Poland. My educational background includes a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on Transformational Leadership from The University of New England in Maine. My published dissertation explored the influence of culture on professional learning communities at an international school. The research conducted and conclusions found contributed to an internal restructuring of learning communities in school and increased trust and collaboration among teachers and students.

I also hold a Master of Education in Curriculum, Instruction, and Supervision from The University of North Carolina at Wilmington. My thesis explored, identified, and discussed learning gaps across international curricula, and more importantly, how those gaps can be bridged. This led to developing a Pre-IB course for students that eased the stressors related to the rigors of the IB diploma program. In addition, I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies also from The University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Over the course of my educational career, I have also had the opportunity to take part in additional certifications including: Instructional Leadership-Best Practices in Assessment with Dr. Thomas Guskey, Understanding by Design: Curriculum Design and Implementation, Inquiry-Based Learning: Creating and Implementing Units, and the MAIS Reading and Writing Summer Institute. I have also completed all three levels of certification for the International Baccalaureate course Language and Literature.

In addition, I have created and presented professional development opportunities for colleagues, including a framework for action research, the efficacy of informal observations, and the importance of formative feedback.

Before IPS  I spent nearly ten years working in film and television production. My first show was called Dawson’s Creek and I served as a production assistant before moving on to other television series and films. For the last 14 years, I have worked in education at schools in the US and internationally. Immediately before joining the IPS family, I spent six years just a few hours away in Krakow.

I’m passionate about

Learning. I enjoy discussing educational theories, experiences, and the variables that shape our perceptions. I like to learn about how people learn; to explore what motivates us, to discover how information is processed and understood, and how knowledge is retained. This idea translates into my personal life as well. As an international educator and expat, I am certainly passionate about traveling. My background in international education and my experiences in life have created a strong desire to not only visit other parts of the world, but to also learn about the culture, traditions, and beliefs, each of which influence perception, trust, and behaviors. There is some solace in standing in a place you have never been and watching life unfold in a way you never thought about.

Justyna Domańska-Patejuk

IPS Playschool Vice Principal

My educational background

• M.A Sociology – University of Wroclaw
• Postgraduate studies Pedagogy – Institute of Postgraduate Studies in Lodz
• Postgraduate studies Pedagogy for people with special needs – WSB Universities
• Certificates, Art Therapy, Sensory Integration, Hand Therapy and diagnosis of developmental disorders

My professional background

During my time at IPS I’ve served as a Special Education Teacher to support students with individual needs. In September 2019 I was kindly offered a position of the IPS Playschool Counsellor and I now serve both as the IPS Playschool Counsellor and the IPS Playschool Vice-Principal.

Before IPS I had been working with children with special educational needs. I have 16 years of experience supporting students from birth to the age of 14 in Polish preschools, primary schools, inclusive schools, as a baby sitter and a volunteer.

I am passionate about

Traveling and everything connected with tourism. I like spending time actively, getting to know the world and its people. I’m passionate about cooking and baking. Music and dance are my way of relaxing and working with children is my way of life. Privately, I’m the mother of two children.

Mandy Parsons

IPS Primary and Lower Secondary Vice Principal, International Curricula Manager

My educational background

• B.A. General Education- English and Science – Stellenbosch University
• Diploma in Leadership in Education – Stellenbosch University
• Golden Key Honours Society Member for Academic Excellence
• Understanding Student Development and Diversity – Global text Project
• Google Teacher Qualification
• Cambridge Assessment International Education: Introduction to Lower
  Secondary Science
• Challenging Behaviour in Young People Level 3, the CPD Certification Service

My professional background

Before IPS I taught in both primary and secondary schools in South Africa. I had the opportunity to work in both the private and the public sector as well as with economically and socially disadvantaged students. I worked with both the South African curriculum as well as the International British Curriculum. During my primary school teaching, I taught English, Physical Education and Drama to grades 4 through grade 7. During my high school teaching, I taught Science and English to grades 8 through grade 10.

I am passionate about

Literature, music and travelling.

Magdalena Blum

IPS Director of Development

My educational background

• B.A. English, British Literature Major, Specialization, translation – University of Wrocław
• M.A. English, British Literature – University of Wrocław
• Postgraduate Studies Work Management – University of Economics, Wrocław
• B.A. Early Childhood Education – University of Lower Silesia, Wrocław
• Postgraduate Studies Management in Education – University of Lower Silesia, Wrocław

My professional background

During my time at IPS I’ve been a Playschool Teacher, Homeroom Teacher, Polish Teacher, Curriculum Manager, and Acting Principal. I now have a wide range of responsibilities as the IPS Development Director. I love the opportunity to learn new things about myself and face new challenges that make me grow.

Before IPS I was a freelance translator and a consecutive translator. I translated mainly for computer systems, banking systems, and clothing companies.

I’m passionate about

I’m passionate about my family, reading, non-fiction mostly, music of different genres and origins, working with kids, food and driving fast. My great passion is also Formula 1. I follow every race!

Paulina Połacik-Godlewska

IPS Music School Manager, Polish teacher, Music teacher in Playschool

My educational background

• B.A. English – College of Education Management  in Wroclaw
• M.A. Classical singing and Acting -Academy of Music in Lodz
• Postgraduate studies classical Singing and Acting – Academy of Music in Wroclaw
• Postgraduate studies Early Education – College of Education Management in Wroclaw
• International Baccalaureate Professional Development: Making the PYP Happen

My professional background

Before IPS I cooperated with a Musical Theatre and Opera in Lodz. My concerts took place in Poland, Czech Republic, Austria and Russia. I took part in masterclasses held by T. Żylis- Gara and Udo Reinemann.  I used to teach English in language schools and I worked as a Teacher’s Assistant in another international school.

I serve as the IPS Playschool Music Teacher and a Polish Curriculum Teacher for younger students. I’ve also had the great pleasure of managing the IPS Music School, since 2019.

I am passionate about

Listening to classical music. Moreover, there is a wealth of legendary musicians who literally transport me to another world. I also like to spend my time reading which helps  me relax. I love literature based on the Romantic Era, WWII, and the Tsars of Russia. Reading makes me feel better, sleep better and be better.

Marta Stankowska

Director of Administration

My educational background

• B.A. English Philology at WWSIS – specialization in translation
• Human resource management at Wrocław College of Management
• Postgraduate studies at Wrocław University of Economics and Business: General Data Protection Regulation

My professional background

Before IPS I spent a few years travelling abroad. I visited Great Britain and Spain where I had the opportunity to work in an international environment in the service and administrative sectors. I also worked on several freelance and voluntary projects abroad. After returning to Poland, I worked in the hospitality industry. I started my time at IPS as Receptionist and have made my way through Administration to becoming the Administration Director. I feel fortunate to have had a chance to be a part of many multicultural companies and I’m glad to continue working in an international environment.

I am passionate about

Biographic movies and books. I’m passionate about self-development and self-improvement in my personal life. I’m always looking to challenge myself and learn new things to become the best version of myself.