Russian Language and Literature Teacher

 

A native of the Kaluga region in Russia, Maria was inspired to go into teaching by the creative atmosphere of her high school, the Obninsk Free School. The school curriculum was grounded in the elements of the Waldorf education which strives to develop students' intellectual, artistic, and practical skills in an integrated and holistic manner. 
 
Maria graduated from Moscow State Teachers’ University where she obtained her BA degree to become a teacher of Russian language, literature and history - the three subjects that in her mind were naturally interconnected. She also studied Russian language teaching methodology at the Moscow State University, where she obtained her Masters’ in teaching Russian as a foreign language.  After completing her education, Maria began working as a Russian language and literature teacher at a Moscow middle school.
 
After moving to the US, Maria helped start The Lucky Pen school in Redmond, WA. There, she founded a book club for Russian teens, taught Russian language classes in groups and in a private setting, and maintained the library catalog. Maria is passionate about organizing and running book clubs - to quote her,  “When I have a chance to discuss a good book in a cozy and welcoming setting, life is good.” 
 
Maria currently lives in Arlington, MA (a suburb of Boston). In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family, go on bike rides, snowboard, hike in the mountains, play board games and read good books.