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

During my 9 years in IPS I served as the Homeroom Teacher for Pre-K1, Pre-K2 and Kindergarten groups. In 2013 I was offered a position of the IPS Playschool Manager at Wietrzna street, and since 2017 I have a great pleasure to lead the IPS Playschool first as the Vice-Principal and since 2020 as the Principal.

Before IPS I worked as an English Teacher with children of various age – from Toddlers to Teenagers. During my University Studies I was a part of the team that coordinated Musical and Sport Mass Events both in Wroclaw and in London, where I could practice my English skills as well as gain experience working in an international environment.

I’m passionate about

Early Education! I believe that Children are fantastic learners – curious, open minded and bright. Working with them is an amazing adventure of leading young people into their adulthood as well as learning to share their enthusiasm and creativeness with them. It is also a great challenge of understanding how children see the world, develop and gain new skills as well as knowledge. For me Early Education is a wonderful experience of finding the balance between all areas of children’s development and doing our very best to help them achieve their dreams and become joyful and satisfied adults.

During my free time I love getting more familiar with our fantastic world by travelling, reading various books, listening to music and cooking dishes from different countries and cuisines. I am a happy wife, mother of two lovely girls aged 11 and 7 as well as an owner of a little home-zoo that includes some colourful fish, stick bugs, a cat and a dog.

Barbara Gajda

IPS Primary and Secondary Principal

My educational background

• Certificate in School Management and Leadership – Harvard Graduate School of Education
• International Baccalaureate Professional Development: Making the PYP Happen
• Postgraduate studies, Management and Organization in Education – University of Lower Silesia
• M.A. Pedagogy, Faculty of Arts and Educational Science

My professional background

During my 9 years in IPS I have served as School Principal (with one year for maternity break). I was a member of the team involved in laying the foundations of the International Primary School, and since then I have had the opportunity to develop continuously through numerous training and courses as well as set a professional goal to help students achieve success in their future.

Before IPS I lived in Ireland for 6 years, where in addition to my day office job I was involved in leading after school classes for children, running International Cultural Projects within Art Centers in Dublin as well as running workshop-based activities for academic students.

I’m passionate about

Creative self-expression through all kinds of DIY projects, interior design, hiking and numerous other things that make me happy!

Eric 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 a little known fact about me is, prior to my career in education, 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 enjoying the Polish culture and delicious pierogi. I am excited to continue my stay in Poland, in a new city and part of a new community.

I’m passionate about

As an academic and educator, I am 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.

Hali Ray

IPS Primary and Secondary Vice Principal, Curriculum Manager

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 9 years in IPS I served as a Grade 4 and Grade 5 Homeroom Teacher as well as the IPS Spelling Bee Coordinator. Last year, I served as the IPS Vice Principal & Curriculum Manager, IB PYP Coordinator, and Cambridge International Assessment Testing Coordinator.

Before IPS I taught both inclusion and resource Special Education including 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!

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 2 years in IPS I served as the Special Education Teacher to support students with individual needs. In September 2019 I was kindly offered a position of the IPS Playschool Counsellor.

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

I am passionate about

Travelling and what is connected with tourism. I like spending time actively, getting to know the world and people. I’m passionate about cooking and baking. Music and dancing is my way to relax. And working with children is my way of life. Privately, I’m a mom of two children. My daughter is almost 11 years old, and my son is almost 4 years old.

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 9 years in IPS I was a playschool teacher, a homeroom teacher, a Polish teacher, a Curriculum manager, an Acting Principal and this year I took over the responsibilities of the Development Director. I love the opportunity to learn new things about myself and face new challenges that make me grow.

Before IPS I was an English-Polish-English freelance translator and a consecutive translator. I translated mainly computer systems, banking systems, clothing companies and lots more.

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.

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

During my 5 years in IPS I’m getting the benefits from constant development starting from Reception position through Administration to Administration Director.

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 service and administrative sectors. I also have a chance to work on several freelancer and voluntary project abroad. After returning to Poland I have worked few years in administration and hospitality industry. Through all these years I had a chance to be a part of multicultural companies, I’m glad that this privilege continues to this day.

I am passionate about

Biographic movies and books. Another area that I’m passionate about is 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.

Dominika Róg

IPS Curriculum Coordinator GR 1-4

My educational background

• B.A. English Philology – Teachers Training College of Foreign Language, University of Wroclaw
• M.A. English Philology, University of Wroclaw
• Postgraduate Studies Pedagogy – Preschool and Early Education University of Wroclaw
• Certificate – Making PYP Happen
• Certificate – PYP 3-6 year olds
• Certificates- LCCI SEFIC, The Good Start Method, Educational Kinesiology, Children’ Math by Gruszczyk- Kolczynska, Stern Math

My professional background

I started my career as an English teacher in preschool, primary school, and high school, more than a decade ago. Before joining IPS Primary and Lower Secondary I was a member of the IPS Playschool where I have been the Curriculum Manager, as well as a Homeroom Teacher.

I am passionate about

Teaching and learning obviously! Besides that, I enjoy vegetarian meals, travelling, cycling, and reading books by Coben.

Paulina Połacik-Godlewska

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

My educational background

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

My professional background

During my 5 years in IPS I served as the IPS Playschool Music Teacher and Polish Curriculum Teacher for Kindergarten and Grade 1 students. I also have a great pleasure to manage the IPS Music School since 2019.

Before IPS I cooperated with 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 or Udo Reinemann.  I used to teach English in the language schools, I was working also as a teaching assistant in international school.

I am passionate about

Listening to  classical music  is a great pleasure for me. Moreover, there is a wealth of legendary musicians who literally transport me to another world. One more worth spending  my time is reading that helps  me to relax. I love literature based on Romantic Era, WWII and Tsars of Russia. Reading makes me feel better, sleep better and be better.