Our team

At EFIP, we purposefully create an environment to meet the needs of the students, from early childhood to emerging adolescence. The educational team at EFIP consists of qualified professionals who have a strong understanding of the curriculum and teaching methods tailored to students. Open to innovation and new technologies, they adapt to changes in the curriculum. The team is attentive to the needs of students and works collaboratively to provide coherent and effective teaching.

Jean-Luc Courtel
Head of School (acting)

Kindergarten

Mathilde Guignard
Kindergarten teacher

Hello! My name is Mathilde and I am French. I have lived in the Balkans for over 8 years and I have been in Pristina since September. I am the kindergarten class teacher for children aged 3 to 5. In my classe I try to develop my students' curiosity and love of the French language through varied and fun activities.

Valentina Kerolli
Albanian Teacher

Hello, my name is Valentina Kerolli and I am an assistant and teacher of the Albanian language in kindergarten. It is my 7th year that I continue to work with passion and dedication to teaching. My favorite activity is artistic creation with children, inspiring them on a joyful journey of educational development.

"My profession is a path filled with love and desire to help each student reach their maximum potential."

Mimoza Dobra
English teacher

My name is Mimoza! I’m an English teacher, and this is my first year with the EFIP school.

Getting to teach diverse age groups (the delightful preschoolers and the dynamic 7th to 9th graders), has been nothing short of amazing.

 What makes this journey truly special is the students’ eagerness to learn, their inquisitive minds, and their enthusiasm for language acquisition. I believe that creating a positive, inclusive class is vital for effective teaching and as a teacher, I look forward to my students’ continual growth and success.

Edonjeta Curri
Early Childhood Educator

Hello! Since 2019 I am a teacher in Early Education. This is the first year in the French school with kindergarten children under the age of 3. For me, it is very important to provide a warm environment that respects everyone's needs and accepts everyone for who they are and what they show. I feel good when I see children grow up happy and confident, only then I understand that I am on the right and right path. I always start from the fact that, "Every child is an artist, the question is how to remain a growing artist" and this is best highlighted only by a good teacher.

Elementary School

Laurie Vandegar
Primary School Teacher

Hello! Originally from Belgium, my mother tongue is French.

Always passionate about learning and childhood, it was quite natural that I turned to teaching. Certified, among other things, in positive psychology, kindness is my priority.

My goal? That my students develop their potential while feeling good about themselves and their environment.

Elvida Berisha-Firmin
FLSCO teacher

Hello! I am a teacher of French as the language of schooling (FLSco) for students who have not previously been educated in a French system. Since 2019, I have been part of the French school team in Pristina.

My goal is to create an effective learning environment for new French-speaking students. This not only improves their French skills, but also provides a solid foundation for their integration into the French school system.

Paul O’NeilL
English Teacher

Hello! I'm Paul from Cork in Ireland. I've been living in Kosovo for over two years now. I speak English, French, Irish, and German. I'm the English teacher from 1st to 6th grades. I'm very passionate about teaching and always make sure the classroom is a fun and productive place for students to learn as much as possible!

Sanie Sylejmani
Albanian Teacher

Hello, my name is Sanie Bajrami, and I am a teacher of the Albanian language for the primary cycle at the French School. I completed my postgraduate studies at the University of Pristina, and this is my first year being engaged at this school. The love for teaching and helping others is the main passion of every teacher. I have 8 years of experience in education in various institutions, and I have always encouraged students to develop new skills and explore their passions. I believe that education is a powerful tool for change, and I always strive to create a safe and supportive environment for all students.

Gazmend Preniqi
Teacher of physical education

I am Gazmend Preniqi from Pristina.
Since 2015 I have been a Physical Education teacher and this is the first year with the French School.
Teaching is not just a profession for me; it's a mission. My goal is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels empowered to explore their physical potential. Whether it's through team sports, fitness routines, or health education, my goal is to foster a love of an active lifestyle that extends beyond the classroom.

Middle and High Schools

Roksana Salihu
CNED Tutor and German Teacher

Hello! My name is Roksana and I am a CNED tutor for classes from 6th to 3rd. I take care of the 'German' club. After a few years in the media in France, I decided to return to my origins and work with what fascinates me: children.

My mission? Make children want to learn, encourage them to pursue and realize their dreams.

Louis Avel
CNED Tutor

Hello, my name is Louis Avel, and I am a CNED tutor for French literature, history-geography, and economic and social sciences for middle and high school levels at EFIP since the start of the 2024 school year. I have a Master degree in Political and Social Sciences and I am a DELF/DALF examiner and corrector. I have been teaching abroad for 9 years, primarily at the university level. In my classes, I am committed to creating the conditions that encourage student interest and participation, and to maximizing each student's potential.

Jetmira Lushi
Spanish Teacher
Marigona Hashani
CNED tutor

Hello. My name is Marigona. I am a CNED tutor at college. It has now been two years since I left Paris to settle in Pristina and join the EFIP.

I am in charge of the middle school classes, ranging from 6th to 3rd grade.

Patient, educational, I like working with children by encouraging them and making them want to always surpass themselves.

Rajmonda Berisha
Albanian Teacher

Hello! I am Rajmonda Berisha, a teacher of Albanian language and literature. I am part of the French School EFIP. At the high school level, I dedicate myself to developing students' linguistic and literary skills by creating an inspiring and collaborative learning environment. Language and culture are bridges that connect generations and encourage critical thinking.

Administrative staff

Diellza Alihu
Administrative and Financial Secretary