GESS welcomed our new Preschool Director Dr. Anna Ciezczyk in March 2025, bringing her wealth of experience to our pedagogical team. We chat with her on her first months at GESS and what she envisions for Preschool.
Hi Dr. Anna, we have been seeing you up and about at Preschool. Could you tell us more about yourself?
My journey into the field of education began with a focus on English as a Second Language. I taught language classes to both children and adults, but it didn’t take long for me to realise that it was the energy and curiosity of young learners that truly inspired me—and that’s what set me on the path toward preschool education. Years on, I solidified this path by obtaining my Masters in Leadership and Doctoral Degree in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, both within the field of Early Childhood Education.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work across Europe and Asia, which has given me not only a rich understanding of high quality early childhood education, but also a cultural lens on child development. I have written articles and led professional development for educators on the topics of democratic education, developmentally appropriate schooling, as well as the role of teachers and families in these important formative years.
At heart, I’m someone who loves learning and working with others to make a difference. I believe that when we focus on connection, creativity, and care, we can build something truly meaningful for our students and our school communities.
What made you join GESS?
I saw GESS as a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with my European roots, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t drawn to the school’s excellent reputation.
The emphasis on Limitless Learning and the commitment to holistic education, student agency, and community engagement really resonated with me as this is something I have always passionately advocated for in my career.
My philosophy as a leader is rooted in the idea that academic achievement and wellbeing go hand in hand, hence a school that places equal importance on academic excellence and wellbeing seemed like a great fit. Having led initiatives that build strong wellbeing support structures and promote inclusive learning practices, I see great potential to contribute meaningfully to these areas at GESS. I also value the school’s non-profit status, which reflects a commitment to putting students first and fostering a culture of collaboration and shared purpose.
It’s been mere months since you joined us officially. What do you feel about your experience so far, and what have you been primarily busy with?
I am just emerging from a sea of friendly faces and names, which I am desperately trying to remember, but I have an amazing team and I know I am in good hands. I have been busy meeting everyone, working to catch myself up, and understanding the GESS context. I can already tell the community is so strong here and this makes me very excited for future collaborations.
What is your vision for Preschool, and could you share some areas of focus?
The Preschool is a wonderful, magical place full of joy in learning, and I would like to continue to help foster this. We’ll be looking at ways to ensure everyone is feeling supported through our programme, and that there is even more clarity and transparency of messaging. I believe that whatever improvements are introduced, these are fully owned by our staff, families, and children alike.
What are some challenges you foresee in this role at GESS, and how would you overcome them?
I put in effort to listen a lot more to ensure that decisions I make or changes I propose are supportive of the culture and community at GESS. So, I think the biggest challenge at the moment is learning the GESS ways, but to this there is only one answer: listen and take your time.
What do you like to do for leisure?
I like to keep my hands and mind busy. If I’m not reading, I’m probably picking up sewing, sculpting, drawing, or something new—there’s always a project on the go, and I find that staying curious and creative in my personal life naturally carries over into my professional life as well.
Join our curious tots in finding out more about Dr Anna!
