Voula
Zachou
Position: Philologist
School Level: Middle School, High School
Microsoft Innovative Education Expert
Employed Since: 2009
I was born in Rhodes on a Sunday afternoon in September. My parents, Iraklis and Georgia, met on this island, fell in love with it, and chose it as the place to build their family. Together with my younger brother, Panagiotis, we were fortunate to have our beloved grandmother by our side, a cornerstone in both of our lives.
During my school years, my afternoons were filled with piano lessons, English and German classes, choir singing, and sports training, while Sunday afternoons were reserved for family gatherings and meals.
My love for philological subjects led me to the Department of Philology at the School of Philosophy of the University of Crete. Teaching in schools in Rethymno during my teaching practice reinforced my decision to pursue a career in education.
The year 2003 officially marked the beginning of my professional journey, as I started working at a secondary education tutoring center in Rhodes. After six years of excellent collaboration and significant teaching experience, on a July morning in 2009, I once again passed through a school gate, this time as an educator at the "RODION PAIDEIA" Educational Institutions. I was fortunate once again to meet invaluable colleagues. In the school classrooms, I share with my students a love for language and literature. Together, we realize the power of critical thinking, creative thought, effort, and collaboration, as well as solidarity and volunteerism.
We share memories from activities and trips, the struggle and anxiety of the Panhellenic Exams, smiles, and hugs from graduation nights.
I consistently attend seminars and training sessions on topics including the teaching and evaluation of Modern Greek Language and Literature, special education, the use of new technologies in education, and adult education. I participated in the "Formation and Operation of Learning Communities" initiative by E.DIA.M.ME. of the University of Crete, which involved twinning schools from the diaspora with schools in Greece to cultivate the Greek language and promote Greek culture. I traveled to Adelaide, Australia, as one of the coordinators of the team representing our school at the World Youth Conference, with the theme "Enriching Humanity through Innovation and Entrepreneurship."
In 2023, I found myself back in student seats, pursuing a postgraduate program in "Analysis and Teaching of First and Second/Foreign Language."
I enjoy literature and music, good company and good food, Tinos and Crete. I have journeyed through many years with good friends, sharing words, sorrows, and joys.
Throughout these years, George has been by my side, a steadfast companion and support.
