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ACADEMIC TEAM
Our Teachers
Kaluga International School employs an international team of highly qualified teachers. The international teachers come from United States of America and the Philippines. They have vast teaching experience both in their home countries and abroad. In addition, the school attracts local specialist teachers to teach Russian language, Music and Sports. Members of the teaching staff are selected based not only on their qualifications and experience but also on their commitment to being caring, supportive and student-centred.
Kindergarten and Primary Teachers
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I am Jay Louie A. Torres, from the Philippines. I have a vast teaching and pedagogical leadership background while working in the Philippines, Malaysia, China, Kuwait, and Thailand before coming here in Kaluga, Russia. I graduated with a Bachelor of Elementary Education specialising in Early Childhood and am currently working on my Master's Degree in Education. I am bringing with you a solid 10 years of educational commitment to foster lifelong learning mainly focusing on IB PYP. I take pride in maintaining a dynamic, trusting and open learning environment while ensuring learners creativity and active classroom engagement. All through my teaching experiences, I am known for having a thorough understanding of the inquiry play-based teaching approaches and monitors learners' understanding as agents of their learning. Having worked in many countries, I consider myself as an expert in dealing with students of diverse cultures and nationality.
JAY LOUIE AURE TORRES
PYP Coordinator
KATE DYBA
EY/KG/Grade 1
Homeroom Teacher
I am Kate Dyba. I am a graduate of Kaluga State University under the faculty of foreign languages. I hold a specialist degree in teaching English and French. I have 10 years of teaching experiences and this will be my 4th year as an IB PYP practitioner. Before joining Kaluga International School, I taught in Lyceum 9 (Kaluga). 2018 when I attended an IB PYP workshop - Play-based learning Category 3. This academic year will bring much joy! Every day we will enjoy the little things the kids may look back one day and realise that they were big things. I believe that all of the students have the power to make a change in this world. I see unlimited possibilities in them and as a teacher, my goal is to support, guide and be with them to develop all the necessary skills for their brighter future.
DMITRII ZEMSKOV
EY/KG/Grade 1
Homeroom Teacher
I am Dmitrii Zemskov. I hold a bachelor’s degree in education majoring in foreign languages from Kaluga State University and just recently received my master’s degree in Linguistics (Translation.) I worked as an English teacher at Kaluga Technical College before becoming a PYP practitioner at Kaluga International School. I attended an IB PYP workshop Category 2, Action last 2019. My goal this year is to teach my students to be independent learners and achieve good academic results. I will put great effort on developing different skills that will help them to grow and prosper.
OLYA GLUMOVA
EY/KG/Grade 1
Teaching Assistant
My name is Olya Glumova. I graduated from Kaluga State University in 2018 (Faculty of foreign languages, Teacher of French and English). I started my teaching career in 2018 where I got an opportunity to teach in France. After a year, I came back to Russia and worked as Russian and French Teacher at the International School of Moscow. This is my second year of working in an IB school. I truly believe that each student is unique and has their own intelligence. My goal is to help students to develop their whole being in order to become smarter and better people.
MARIA VASILEVA
Grade 2 and Grade 3
Homeroom Teacher
My name is Maria Vasileva. I graduated from Tver State University with a bachelor's degree in Linguistics (French and English) in 2016. In 2019, I finished my master's degree in Linguistics (Translation) at Kaluga State University. I started my teaching career last 2018 here in Kaluga International School. I have been teaching for almost 3 years and attended two International Baccalaureate (IB) workshops - Making the PYP Happen in the Classroom, Category 1 and Evidencing Learning, Category 3. I have taken the role of a homeroom teacher last year where I taught Grade 4. This academic year, I am so excited to continue my journey to PYP with my beloved students and I am going to share all my knowledge and energy to help them explore and understand the world, and grow together with them!
SOFIYA CHEKRYZHOVA
Grade 2 and Grade 3
Teaching Assistant
I am Sofiya Chekryzhova. I graduated last 2017 from Kaluga State University with a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics. I have been a PYP practitioner since 2018 and attended a category 2 International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) workshop - Teaching and Learning. My goal this year is to bring a positive learning environment with our students and to provide the required assistance whenever needed. I will create an atmosphere where students will feel safe and homey. Building students’ confidence and developing their self-management skills will also be my priority as I believe these will help them to become more successful individuals.
EUGENE ZHAZHIN
Grade 4 and Grade 5
Homeroom Teacher
My name is Eugene Zhazhin. I have a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and teaching English. I have been teaching for 3 years and an IB practitioner for 2 years. I have done a couple of IB workshops - Making the PYP Happen: Implementing Agency (Cat. 1) and the PYP Exhibition (Cat. 3). This academic year, I will bring more agency and IT integration in class. I will also be leading the students to their PYP Exhibition this year.
EKATERINA ANTONOVA
Primary and Secondary
Art Teacher,
Grade 4/5 Teaching Assistant
My name is Ekaterina Antonova. I have a specialist degree in German and English. This is a 5-year course I attended at Kaluga State University. I worked in a public school in Kaluga for almost 2 years and this is my 2nd year practicing IB PYP. I just recently took an IB PYP workshop - Making the PYP Happen: Implementing Agency (Cat.1). This year, I aim to support and encourage students to achieve their academic goals. I will pay more attention in teaching them how to express their thoughts in written and oral forms.
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KATE BELOVA
English as Additional Language Teacher
My name is Kate Belova and I am happy to be teaching English as an Additional Language here at Kaluga International School. I got my bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from Kaluga State University. After graduation, I have participated in the 'Teach for Russia' programme and spent 2 years teaching English to students of different ages and levels at a public school in Kaluga. Now it is my third year here at Kaluga International School. I am a Cambridge CELTA qualified teacher that meets the international professional standards. I have also participated in the IB workshop on bilingual and multilingual teaching. This academic year, I am looking forward to seeing my students and achieving great results together with them. My main focus is on creating a positive classroom environment and helping my students to become confident English speakers.
ELENA BARSUKOVA
Primary and Middle School Music Teacher
My name is Elena Barsukova. I graduated with honours from Tambov Musical Pedagogical Institute and got my masters in Music. I have been working as a piano teacher for 13 years and achieved the highest teacher qualification. I delivered lectures and piano classes at Russian Music School in Hong Kong. I also took part in Russian and International music contests as a pianist and got many awards as best accompanist. I have been a member of the jury at Russian and International piano competitions. I worked at Kaluga International school as a music teacher from 2014-2019 and attended the IB PYP workshop , Making the PYP Happen in the Classroom. I moved to Hong Kong last year and worked there as a Primary Music teacher. This year, I will teach in a creative way that will engage students to explore the world of music with pleasure!
ANNA BAIKENICH
Dance Teacher
My Name is Anna! I'm a dance teacher. I graduated in 2010 from Kaluga Pedagogical University. I finished my sports career as a ballroom dancer a few years ago. I have been a dance coach for more than 13 years and an IB PYP teacher for 3 years. This academic year, there will be exciting Dance lessons for the students which focus on different genres. My goal this academic year is to help students appreciate the importance of dance as well as to develop their good posture. I will help them to be more confident in dancing and value their body.
DARIA KUTUZOVA
Russian Teacher
My name is Daria. I graduated from the faculty of philology at Kaluga State University with the specialization of Pedagogical Education in Russian and English. I have the experience in teaching both adults and kids in English. I started my journey as a teacher at ABC school here in Kaluga teaching English and worked there for about a year. I had the opportunity to attend PYP workshops and training in Alabuga International School last year. I am excited to start this academic year since this will be my second year as a PYP Russian Teacher at Kaluga International School. My goal for my Russian and international students is for them to become a good communicator using the Russian language they have learnt in class. This is to help them to make their education process more meaningful, balanced and efficient.
ANNA TELGANOVA
Teacher Librarian
I am Anna Telganova. I graduated from Kaluga Pedagogical University in 2004 and have a diploma in primary teaching as well as English in secondary school. I started my IB PYP journey where I joined Kaluga International School last 2018. I completed an IB workshop - Library - The Hub of Learning in 2018. This academic year, I will support students in their learning journey by developing their library skills and guide them with comprehension strategies to enhance their love of reading. I will continue working on choosing appropriate resources to support teachers on their daily learning engagements with the students.
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LYUDMILA KUZNETSOVA
Russian Teacher
My name is Lyudmila. I graduated from Meshovsk Pedagogical College. I have the degree of a primary teacher and geography in middle school. I have also the degree in technology and business from Kaluga State University. This is my fourth year here in Kaluga International School as a Russian teacher. My goal is to teach Russian in a very interesting and enthusiastic way. I am ready to develop my skills more this academic year!
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MARINA RUHOVA
Cooking Teacher
My name is Marina Ruhova. I graduated from Kaluga State Pedagogical University. I have been teaching for 37 years mostly for preschoolers. I started working in 2014 at Kaluga International School as a Cooking Teacher. I have attended courses at LLC - TsOO Netologiya-group - Certificate of advanced training: Teacher of additional education: Organization of work with teenagers. My aim this academic year is to teach students with enjoyment in cooking and prepare different healthy meals.
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SVETLANA PLOHOTNIKOVA
Russian Teacher
My name is Svetlana. I am a primary teacher and graduated from Sverdlovs Pedagogical University. I have a total of 20 years teaching experience. I have been teaching at Kaluga International School for 3 years. I had the opportunity to attend an IB workshop at Alabuga International School last 2019. I am excited to start this academic year since this will be my fourth year as an IB PYP Math Russian teacher. My goal is to integrate Russian curriculum into the IB PYP (international) curriculum.
ANTON SEMKOV
Primary and Secondary
Physical Education Teacher
My name is Anton Semkov. I am an industrial engineer and physical education teacher. I graduated from Moscow State Technical University and Kaluga State University. I am a fitness expert at Professional Fitness Federation and a ski instructor at Russian Ski and Snowboard Federation. This is my first year at Kaluga International School as a PYP PE teacher. My goal this academic year is to teach students how to put physical activities to their everyday routine and live an active healthy lifestyle.
I am Eduard Airapetyan. I graduated from Yerevan State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports (Faculty Karate-Do). I am a Karate, Physical Education and Physiotherapy instructor. I am a Shito-Ryu Karate-Do black belt. I worked at the International Lyceum. A. Shirakatsi in Yerevan at the Department of Healthy Lifestyle and Physical Education. I have part time teaching jobs at Kids Teen Club Festivalniy and Kindergarten Peekaboo. I am an instructor at Grand Fitness Gym too. This is my seventh year as a Karate Teacher at Kaluga International School. This academic year, I will promote healthy lifestyles, increase physical fitness in children, and take them in various competitions from city to international arenas.
EDUARD AIRAPETYAN
Karate Teacher
Middle School Teachers
I graduated from Kaluga State University with a degree in teaching English and French. In 2011 I received my first job - I became a language teacher in The French School (de la Mission Laïque Française) for students of High School. I taught them English as a second language and Russian as a foreign language. I prepared students for their state exams (BAC) in English and Russian and for the international exams (PET, FCE) in English. In 2014 I started at Kaluga International School as a part-time teacher of Russian as an additional language, and I got a qualification of teaching RAL from Moscow State University. I soon became a full-time teacher dividing my time between teaching RAL in the Middle School, and teaching EAL in the Primary School as well as assisting in Grade 1/2. With the growth of our Middle school, I taught (RAL, EAL, Global Perspectives) and became the Exam Officer for Cambridge Exams in addition to being the Middle School Coordinator.
OLGA ZHUKOVA
Middle School Coordinator
Global Perspectives and EAL Teacher
TONY GONZALEZ
Math and Science Teacher
I am Mr. Tony. I am from the Unites States of America. I have over a decade of experience in teaching science and math. I began my career working as a laboratory director in the mining industry before switching into the education field. I taught in many different curriculum settings such as International Baccalaureate (Diploma Program), Cambridge (A-Levels, IGCSE, Checkpoint), Advanced Placement (US College Board) and Common Core (US). I completed 2 Master's programs (Secondary Education, and Education Technology). I am currently working on a 3rd Master's program in Curriculum from Western Governors University.
MARCIE STONE
English Teacher
My name is Marcie Stone. I am from the United States of America. I graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Secondary Education; with an emphasis in teaching foreign languages. I have taught all ages and levels. From 2011-2014, I taught preschool to middle school students English in South Korea. From 2014-2019, I taught English to international students at a private language school in Los Angeles, California. I joined Kaluga International School during the 2019-2020 academic year and have enjoyed every minute of it! As a teacher, my goal is to make every lesson fun, engaging, and productive. Through these lessons students will gain the skills they need to feel confident using all aspects of English.
ANTON BARYSHNIKOV
History Teacher
I am Anton Baryshnikov. I was born in Kaluga in 1985. I studied at Kaluga State University (2002-2007) and received an award of summa cum laude.I submitted Candidate of Science Thesis in 2017. I am a member of Society for Promotion of Roman Studies (London).
As a scholar, I study early Roman Britain, Roman imperialism, and the issues of social and cultural change in western provinces under Roman rule. As a teacher, I have a different experience of delivering lectures at various universities (Kaluga State University, Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Service, Russian State University for the Humanities etc.) as well as teaching in Social Studies, Russian and World history in several schools.
I believe that every educational institution and every teacher must do their best to provide students with both knowledge and fun. Otherwise, our world will be full of unhappy people who are easy to be fooled.
ELENA DASHENKOVA
Geography Teacher
ELENA BUDKINA
Middle School German Teacher
I am Elena Alexandrovna Dashenkova. I graduated from Kaluga State Pedagogical University named after K. E. Tsiolkovsky. My specialisations are geography and ecology. After studying at the University, I went to a graduate school, defended my dissertation and received a PhD in geographical sciences. I also have a degree in land management and cadastre. I worked for 15 years at the University's geography department, starting as an assistant and working my way up to associate professor. This is my fourth year here at Kaluga International School as a Geography teacher. My goal for this academic year is to provide conditions for my students to enter the bright and interesting world of geography.
OLGA ZHULINA
Biology Teacher
YULIA KOROLEVA
Primary and Middle School German Teacher
OLGA PRONINA
Literature Teacher
I am Olga Valeryevna Pronina. I have a higher philological education from KSU K. E. Tsiolkovsky. It explains complex things simply. Likes freedom of thought and creativity.
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