Vienna English Preschool

The Green Group

Hello, my name is Rizwana and I come from Birmingham, England. I have been living in Vienna for over 15 years and am a mother to two wonderful girls.

It was after college that I realised I wanted to work with children and my position as a classroom assistant at a junior school in Birmingham only strengthened my career choice. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent there and gained some valuable insight into the teaching profession.

I completed my training as an English language instructor in 2010 and started conducting English courses for adults and children at various language institutes in Vienna. During this time I was able to develop and enhance my teaching skills and learn new and fun ways of teaching children, which I immediately incorporated into my lessons with very promising results.

I soon realised that I was at my happiest when working with young children, which prompted me to pursue a diploma in early childhood education and care in 2015. During my studies I worked at the VEP as a group assistant for over one year and am now working as a pedagogue after completing the diploma.

Inclusive education is at the core of my philosophy. I value individual differences, interests and play. Providing equitable learning opportunities and care which meet individual children’s needs is of utmost importance to me.

(Teacher on maternity leave)

Hello, my name is Hannah and I am from England. I have been working at the VEP in the Green Group since 2008. After returning from maternity leave in 2012, I began studying for my Diploma in Pre-school Practice and qualified as a pedagogue at the end of 2014, taking over leadership of the group soon afterwards. I was delighted to take on the role of Green Group teacher, working as part of a dedicated and caring team.  

Before moving to Austria, I spent nine years working in art galleries and museums in the UK, having graduated from university with a first class honours degree in Art History. As a gallery curator I led educational workshops for children of all ages, and I also have experience of working in primary schools.

Having been involved in art education for many years, I believe that creative and artistic activities are very important in fostering children’s individuality, self-confidence and communication skills. At VEP I have specialised as an art teacher, developing imaginative arts and crafts projects specifically for this age-group that encourage free expression and improve the children’s fine motor skills while experimenting with different materials and techniques.

I bring a wealth of experience, not only from working as a teacher and art educator, but also as a parent myself. I know how important it is to nurture each child as an individual, taking the time to understand their particular needs and supporting them as they find their own voice and their place in the world. I believe that it is crucial to provide a rich variety of play and learning activities that respond to the children’s emerging interests and developmental needs, so they can achieve their full potential.

Working closely with my colleagues, my aim is to provide a secure, sensitive and stimulating environment for the children throughout their time in the Green Group.