Windswept and Interesting

My name is Nadia Marken and I had the great fortune to be born into a wonderful, loving family in Brisbane, Australia. My childhood was filled with dance lessons, song, a love of writing, and a fascination with the world and an unwavering desire to travel.

My love of working with young people and firm belief in the power of education to transform lives, led to me eventually settling on a career as a secondary school teacher of English and Drama.

After beginning my career at an innovative, independent school in Brisbane, I found I wasn’t fulfilled as much as I’d hoped and knew that a greater leap of faith was required to find my place in the world.

This led to signing up with some teaching agencies in the January of 2009, throwing my options open to travel and adventure across the world. I even considered volunteer work on sabbatical for a year. Yet, the opportunity that presented itself was the chance to move to England and work in a progressive academy as a teacher of English. I have never looked back.

I have now travelled to over 25 countries (the number increases regularly) and have worked hard to now be a Director of Literacy at another excellent academy, also in Kent. This has helped me to further develop my love and understanding of the teaching of literacy; if we can ensure every young person can read, write, and speak effectively, we will create the most competent and successful generation the world has ever seen.

My blog chronicles my journey as a traveller and a teacher. This journey has taught me so much, and if it is able to help others with their ambitions, then it will have been time and energy well spent. I am always interested in feedback and hearing the stories of others. Feel free to share in the comment section, but I can also be contacted via Twitter and email. Just contact me for details if needed.

Happy reading!