Russian Language Club

Mike Opaliski

Hello, my name is Mike and I was born and raised in Philadelphia, located on the east coast of the United States of America (USA). Prior to moving overseas in 2014, I spent over 15 years living in Seattle – which is over 4,500km from where I grew up – and a world away with regards to the cultural differences between the east and west coasts of the USA. I am extremely passionate about education and have dedicated my entire career to the learning sciences field. In addition to a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, I also hold a Master’s Degree in Education from The Pennsylvania State University and earned a TESOL certificate while living in Cambodia and Vietnam six year ago. Prior to becoming a teacher I had a successful career in corporate education providing strategic direction for learning and development initiatives for some of the world’s largest technology companies. I have extensive experience designing, implementing and managing learning programs for KS3, KS4 and adult learners on multiple continents. As the Head of Faculty for English as an Additional Language (EAL) & Languages here at HeadStart International School Phuket, I support and help develop an amazing team of Mandarin, French and Russian language teachers in both Primary and Secondary. In addition, I manage the Fast ForWord online learning program for EAL pupils across the entire school. This academic year I will also be teaching KS3 EAL and Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language to KS4 pupils. I really enjoy traveling and exploring new places and cultures, and strongly believe the world is too big to stay in one place forever. Learning about different cultures continues to broaden my view of the world and helps me appreciate what I have even more. Outside of school you will find me living an active and healthy lifestyle while enjoying any number of the beautiful beaches on this island that I’ve called home for the past five years.