Anna Shestopal Primary School English Teacher I have been an educator since 2005, with experience in both public and private schools as well as university settings. I have taught in international schools across Vietnam, China, and currently in Türkiye, bringing a rich cross-cultural perspective to my work with young learners. I graduated from a national university in Kyiv, Ukraine, and further strengthened my expertise through an advanced English course at the Teacher’s Training College of Columbia University in New York. Drawn to alternative approaches to education, I hold a special place in my heart for the Montessori philosophy. After completing a Montessori course focused on early childhood, I worked as a certified Lead Montessori Teacher in Shanghai, China, for over five years. At Doğru Odak, I teach English to children aged 5–8. I thoughtfully apply my deep understanding of Montessori principles and child development to create engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons. I believe learning does not have to happen only at a desk — meaningful lessons can take place anywhere. Movement is an essential part of how young children learn, and I weave this belief into my daily practice. Guided by Maria Montessori’s words — “The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn” — I strive to nurture curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning in every child.