Ioanna Zafeiriou

Ioanna Zafeiriou is a dedicated English teacher in Greece's secondary education system, whose passion for languages and teaching has fuelled an illustrious 20-year career. She has also served as a community councillor for Neapoli in the Municipality of Neapoli-Sykies, Thessaloniki, Greece, since 2014. Inspired by her mother, also an English teacher, Ioanna’s early fascination with English and other languages saw her pursue a BA in English Language and Literature from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a Master’s in ICT Education from King’s College London. She has become a trailblazer in innovative teaching methods, particularly integrating digital tools into the classroom, despite resource constraints often faced in schools. 

Ioanna's career is marked by a commitment to lifelong learning and educational innovation. She leverages technology, such as blended learning approaches, AI tools, and Web 2.0 applications, to engage students and foster autonomy. Her teaching moves beyond traditional language instruction, incorporating real-world issues like sustainability, cultural diversity, and digital literacy into the curriculum. For instance, her award-winning project, "Fluent in Green," encouraged students to explore the environmental and social costs of fast fashion and to advocate for forest conservation, earning her international recognition. 

Her accomplishments include being named Educator of the Year in 2024 at Greece's Education Leaders Awards and receiving numerous accolades, including the Innovation in Teaching Award at the Education Leaders Awards in 2022, several awards at the national ELT Excellence Awards in Greece, and being twice shortlisted as a finalist for the prestigious global GESS Education Awards.  

Ioanna’s contributions extend beyond the classroom. As a community councillor since 2014, she has led cultural and educational initiatives such as the annual Student Short Film Festival and literary reading sessions for senior citizens. She has also organized events addressing critical topics like internet safety, Alzheimer’s awareness, and youth entrepreneurship. Additionally, she has created educational videos for local schools using archival material provided by historian and author Konstantinos Nigdelis, Director of the Museum of Refugee Hellenism in Neapoli. These initiatives reflect her dedication to supporting lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and community well-being.  

Despite systemic challenges like large class sizes, mixed-ability groups, and limited access to technology, Ioanna consistently transforms obstacles into opportunities. Her creative use of e-learning platforms and supplementary resources bridges gaps in the curriculum, ensuring that students receive a holistic and engaging education. 

Ioanna is also an advocate for improving the teaching profession, mentoring aspiring educators, leading seminars on digital tools, and sharing best practices in teaching communities. Her dedication to professional development underlines her belief in the power of lifelong learning for educators and students alike. 

In every aspect of her work, Ioanna Zafeiriou epitomises the transformative potential of education, inspiring students to embrace their roles as active and informed global citizens.