Who I Am!

 

Introduction and Goals

              My name is Vanessa Speigle, and I am a dedicated educator with over two decades of international teaching and curriculum development experience. I have achieved the M.S.Ed with a focus on Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Kansas. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and an Advanced Diploma in Early Childhood Education, along with a 120-hour TESOL certification. I am currently completing my Master Trainer Certification from CCEFinland.  My career has taken me across diverse educational settings from ESL programs in Central America to teacher training initiatives in China and Saudi Arabia.
             These experiences have fueled my commitment to developing equitable, innovative, and student-centered learning environments rooted in global best practices, particularly drawing from Finnish education philosophies.
             This digital portfolio serves as a comprehensive reflection of my academic and professional journey throughout the M.S.Ed program. While the coursework emphasized North American educational standards and policies, I intentionally applied its principles to my international research and instructional context. Throughout my studies, I deepened my dedication to inclusive, inquiry-based learning, with a particular emphasis on Phenomenon-Based Learning (PhBL), which aligns with my personal teaching philosophy.
             The program has empowered me to evaluate curriculum through a critical, culturally responsive lens while equipping me to lead transformational educational practices within schools worldwide.

Professional Goals

 

              My professional goals are rooted in a commitment to transforming education through equitable, research-based, and globally informed practices. I aim to support schools, educators, and families by bridging Finnish educational principles such as Phenomenon-Based Learning, learner autonomy, and holistic child development with diverse international settings. Through consulting, curriculum development, and teacher training, I strive to empower educators to create inclusive, inquiry-driven learning environments that foster both academic growth and social-emotional well-being. As I continue to grow in my role as an educational leader and Master Trainer, my goal is to expand access to high-quality, culturally responsive learning experiences worldwide particularly in under-resourced or transitional educational contexts. Ultimately, I seek to inspire lifelong learning in both students and educators while building sustainable, community-centered educational change.