Ingrida Martinsone
Preschool Homeroom Teacher
Meet our Superheroes
By Marianna Hodash
Photographed by Sergey Skopintsev. The publication also includes photographs from a personal archive.
Photographed by Sergey Skopintsev. The publication also includes photographs from a personal archive.
June 19, 2024
At Exupery International School, we believe that teaching is one of this planet's most complex and important jobs. Teaching is lifelong learning. It involves being compassionate, curious, and having a sense of humor while being trustworthy, caring, intelligent, and disciplined. That is why we think our teachers are superheroes and want you to meet them! Here's Ingrīda Martinsone, our Preschool Homeroom Teacher.
— Please share your overall work experience and how long you have worked as a teacher.
— This is my fourth year working at Exupery International School. I started in the nursery group and followed my students up to K2. It has been a great privilege to watch all my students change and develop into the children they are today.
— What motivated you to become a preschool teacher?
— I have always been fond of working with children. Even when I was in kindergarten and was asked what I wanted to do growing up, I already knew I wanted to become a teacher. Growing up, I tried working with all age levels. Though working with older students is great, there is something special about working with young learners. Kindergarten is the basis for all learning. By working as a kindergarten teacher, I can shape the students' minds and lay down a solid and healthy foundation they will carry with them as they continue through school.
— You came very far to work at EIS. Please share a little backstory.
— My grandparents were from Latvia and emigrated to the United States during WWII. I was born and raised in the USA and moved to Latvia about six years ago. I didn't want to stay in the USA because I understood that my "place" was no longer there. When I had an opportunity to come to Latvia to study for my master's in education at the University of Latvia, I did, and I loved it here. I grew up surrounded by the Latvian culture and knew the language, so the sense of belonging came naturally. Growing up, we visited Latvia often, so everything here was already familiar.
How did I get to EIS? While at university, we toured different schools that used various teaching techniques, including EIS. I knew right away that I liked the school, and when the perfect time came, I applied and was accepted into the Exupery team.
How did I get to EIS? While at university, we toured different schools that used various teaching techniques, including EIS. I knew right away that I liked the school, and when the perfect time came, I applied and was accepted into the Exupery team.
— But does working with the smallest ones require any special qualities?
— It takes a lot of patience. You never know what mood kids will be in when they wake up and how they will come to school, so you must always be ready for the unexpected. That could be them talking your ear off until you cannot listen anymore or them jumping off the walls with their energy. Nonetheless, you always must be on your feet and prepared for whatever they are up to, ready to pull something out of thin air so that if they get too rowdy and loud, you have a way to calm them down.
— From your perspective, what is the most essential aspect of your work?
— The most important part of my work is ensuring that the students acquire a basis for learning. In kindergarten, students learn how to hold a pencil, identify letters and numbers, and behave properly. With this foundation, it becomes easier later in life to develop healthy school habits. I believe that kindergarten teachers have an essential role in how the students will grow later in life.
— What challenges do you encounter in your role as a teacher?
— A few of the biggest challenges I encounter in my teaching role are the generational differences and the varying behaviors of each student. Trends and fashions are constantly changing, and it can be challenging to keep up!
Same for movies, shows, books, etc. These trends affect the behavior of the students. Balancing teaching good behavior while honoring their personalities and space can be a struggle at times.
— Beyond teaching, what are your hobbies, and how do you spend your free time?
— In my free time, I enjoy spending time outside. I love to garden and experiment with various plant varieties. I enjoy going on hikes and soaking in the warm sun. I enjoy travelling and exploring new cities and cultures in the cooler months. Spontaneous weekend trips are my favorite. I like it when I leave on a Friday after work and return on Sunday evening to get to work on time the next day. With little time on your hands, you never know what to expect from this trip, so you run around trying to see everything. I especially like travelling with family and friends, because it is best to experience these places together, not just by yourself.
I really liked being in Greece. Spain was a lot of fun also. In other words, warmer countries are my favorite.
I really liked being in Greece. Spain was a lot of fun also. In other words, warmer countries are my favorite.
— And what about gardening? Do you have a garden of your own?
— Yes, I have a garden at home, and every year, I try to plant veggies like potatoes, onions, cucumbers, and tomatoes. I also enjoy experimenting with preservations, like making pickles and tomato sauce. As this is a new thing for me, I am trying to figure out how to prepare the best marinades for my pickles. Pulling a jar of something tasty that you made yourself is nice, especially in the winter. It is a fun hobby.
— Can you recall the funniest questions from your students?
— I rarely wear my glasses, but when I put them on, my students ask me to "take off my eyes".
— Is there something we can learn from the preschoolers?
— There is always something to learn from the kids. I feel like I am learning just as much as they are every day, but to put a finger on something specific isn't easy because everything is happening in the moment, and when you learn something, you apply it immediately. You can quickly forget when you've learned these things.
But then again, when working with kids, you must call out to
But then again, when working with kids, you must call out to
your inner child so you can be on the same page as your students and so that they can relate to you and are not afraid of you. At the same time, you must find a border between being a child and an adult, as you are the teacher and set boundaries.
— There is always something to learn from the kids. I feel like I am learning just as much as they are every day, but to put a finger on something specific isn't easy because everything is happening in the moment, and when you learn something, you apply it immediately. You can quickly forget when you've learned these things.
But then again, when working with kids, you must call
But then again, when working with kids, you must call
out to your inner child so you can be on the same page as your students and so that they can relate to you and are not afraid of you. At the same time, you must find a border between being a child and an adult, as you are the teacher and set boundaries.
— There is always something to learn from the kids. I feel like I am learning just as much as they are every day, but to put a finger on something specific isn't easy because everything is happening in the moment, and when you learn something, you apply it immediately. You can quickly forget when you've learned these things.
But then again, when working with kids, you must call out to your inner child so you can be on the same page as your students and so that they can relate to you and are not afraid of you. At the same time, you must find a border between being a child and an adult, as you are the teacher and set boundaries.
But then again, when working with kids, you must call out to your inner child so you can be on the same page as your students and so that they can relate to you and are not afraid of you. At the same time, you must find a border between being a child and an adult, as you are the teacher and set boundaries.
— Could you share your biggest dreams or aspirations with us?
— One of my biggest aspirations is that the students I have taught over the years remember the foundational things I taught them later in life. Even if they do not remember me, I hope that something has been absorbed into their personalities that will help them throughout life, no matter what path life may lead them down.
— And what would be your advice to an aspiring teacher?
— I advise aspiring teachers to go out and explore various age groups before settling. If you are very passionate about teaching, don't be afraid to try all the grades! Every age group has its pros and cons. When you experiment with and observe the different groups, you will only understand where you truly fit. I wanted to teach grade 6 math when I started my teaching journey. Then, my interests changed to high school natural sciences. In the end, I fell in love with the youngest learners. Feel free to jump around before settling into a certain age group!
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