INTERNATIONELLA ENGELSKA SKOLAN
Internationella Engelska Skolan Älvsjö is an 4-9 school with a safe and calm environment, where teachers can teach and students learn.
Join Our School Digital TourABOUT OUR SCHOOL
All of our staff pull together to create the best learning environment through the school.
leading the school
Ms. Nesemann
Principal
I have been with the school since we opened in 2016 and I worked at IES Karlstad for two years prior. I am originally from the US but studied and taught in the UK. I am passionate about providing educational opportunities for students of all abilities.
Mr. Spencer
Assistant Principal 4-6
I am originally from England but have lived in Sweden for 10 years. Previously I have worked within Internationella Engelska Skolan where I have taught science as well as working in middle management with academic and finally pastoral roles.
Ms. Gopie
Assistant Principal 7-9
Ms. Lane
Academic Manager
I am originally from England but have been in Sweden for 16 years, first teaching at IES Gävle as a music teacher, and then in Älvsjö where I have been since it opened.
Ms. Houghton
Academic Coordinator, Head of Aesthetics & Textiles teacher
Hi my name is Mrs Purcell- Houghton. I am Head of the Aesthetics department and I teach Textiles. I have been a teacher for 20 years and taught a range of creative subjects. My favourite aspects of teaching is sharing my love and passion for my subject and seeing the sparks of creativity fly in the room when students design and make their own products.
Ms. Persson
Student Care Manager and SYV
I have been with IES Älvsjö since we opened in 2016 and I still love coming here every day! I enjoy working in education and seeing our students learn and grow in our school community. I truly believe in each person's ability to "be the change" and I feel very privileged being part of a community that is dedicated to learning and growth.
Ms. Lundqvist
School Administrator
Originally from France I have lived in Sweden for over 26 years. I work with the school administration and help parents, teachers and students with different projects.What I enjoy about working in a school is to be able to help students be prepared for their adult life in any way I can.When I am not at school, I like to walk in the woods, watch good movies and spend time with my family and friends.
Ms. Aktas
School Economist
I have previously been a student at IES Bromma and now 10 years later I sit on the admin team as an economist at IES in Älvsjö. I am a trained real estate agent with a business economics focus. I am a structured person who likes order and order. In my job as an economist I get to help people, which I think is very fun. Every day you get to learn something new from both students and teachers at the school and as people you grow a lot from this wonderful school environment. An honor to be a part of IES Älvsjö.
Mr. Jeeves
Facilities Manager
Hello and welcome to IES Älvsjö. I am Mr. Jeeves and I am the Facilities Manager. My role is to ensure a safe and secure working environment for all those in our school; this includes our students and staff. I am originally from the UK but have lived in Sweden for many years.
Ms. Moradi
Substitute coordinator / Administration
Ms. Jo
Reception / Administration
Ms. Rana
IT representative
Ms. Falck
School Librarian
I enjoy books, art, sports and people. The library is open every day and ready to serve you with the related information and study books as well as latest literature, to provide you the best experience ever.
Ms. Embaye-Yenie
Student Care Resource coordinator
Ms. Björkqvist
Student Care Resource & Head of Year 4
My name is Ms Björkqvist. I come from sweden. I work with the Student Care Resource team and I am the Head of year 4. The best thing about working here is all the students. In my free time I spend alot of time with my family and our little dog Harry.
Mr. Berry
Student Care Resource & Head of Year 6
I am born and raised in Bredäng, Stockholm. I am currently living in Segeltorp, Stockholm with my partner and daughter. Before IES I worked in Hökarängsskolan at “fritids” for 1 year, and before that at Långbrodahlsskolan in Älvsjö. I have been working at IES as a student assistant since March 2019, and I am super excited for yet another term at IES.
Mr. Olsson
Student Care Resource & Junior Club
I'm a happy soul who loves developing children and teenagers. Born and raised in Sweden but my mother is from Sri Lanka. I really enjoy helping out in the classroom in both Swedish and Science. In the afternoons, I'm often found in Junior Club and like to encourage students in various activities.
Mr. Perez
Student Care Resource & Junior Club
I was born in 1995 and I have roots from South America, Peru. My job at the school is mainly my responsibility in the Junior Club. I started at IES in February 2017 and since then I have learned a lot about the students. In my free time I play football and this makes me want to keep going all the time, both at work and other times. Looking forward to the time with the students at the Junior Club!
Mr. Ryan
Student Care Resource
Hej, I am originally from Johannesburg, South Africa and have been living in Sweden since 2019. My professional career started off in the financial industry as a Tax Accountant, while working as a 'Juniors Rugby Coach'. I joined IES Älvsjö team as a Student Care Resource and work closely with all students supporting them and ensuring they are happy.
Mr. Al Hassan
Student Care Resource
Mr. Barawe
Student Care Resource
Mr. Mustafa
Student Care Resource
Mr. Romdhani
Student Care Resource
Ms. Persson
Student Care Manager and SYV
I have been with IES Älvsjö since we opened in 2016 and I still love coming here every day! I enjoy working in education and seeing our students learn and grow in our school community. I truly believe in each person's ability to "be the change" and I feel very privileged being part of a community that is dedicated to learning and growth.
Ms. Darin
School Counselor 4-6
I was born and raised in Stockholm, but have also lived in France and in Switzerland. After graduating high school, I was traveling around the world and then I was studying psychology for 5 years at Uppsala Universitet. When I was your age, my favorite lesson was PE and Swedish, because I loved to do sports and to write stories! I am looking forward to meeting you all!
Ms. Malm Qvarnström
School Nurse 7-9
I am a pediatric nurse and have worked at IES Älvsjö the past four years. Before that I worked with hospitalized newborn/premature babies and at a BVC for many years. I love the personal meetings and the opportunity I get to boost the students in the right direction. Children are our future and helping them find and maintain good health is my main priority. I grew up in Norrköping, Sweden but have lived my whole adult life in Stockholm. When I'm not at work I love spending time with my own kids, do yoga and be outside.
Phone: 070-874-2913
Ms. Montgomery
School Nurse 4-6
Ms. Houghton
Academic Coordinator, Head of Aesthetics & Textiles teacher
Hi my name is Mrs Purcell- Houghton. I am Head of the Aesthetics department and I teach Textiles. I have been a teacher for 20 years and taught a range of creative subjects. My favourite aspects of teaching is sharing my love and passion for my subject and seeing the sparks of creativity fly in the room when students design and make their own products.
Ms. Åhnstrand
Home Economics Teacher
I have a Master of Education in Art. I have worked both as a Home Economics teacher and Art teacher. In my spare time I like to be in nature and paint pictures. I'm looking forward to meeting and working with all students.
Mr. Houghton
Woodwork Teacher & Head of Year 9
I have been teaching for 17 years: 12 in the UK and 5 in Sweden. My favourite aspect of teaching is seeing the transformation throughout the years of the students on their learning journey. I enjoy most summer and winter sports from swimming to skiing.
Mr. Thomson
Music Teacher & Head of Year 5
I am from Southport, in the North West of England. I have relocated to Sweden having spent the previous 5 years working within the music industry in London. I hope to use my passion and experience in music performance and business to inspire others to appreciate the value of music and how it can positively effect our lives.
Ms. Åkerström
Music Teacher
Hello! My name is Ms. Lala Åkerström and I am from Baku, Azerbaijan. I moved to Sweden in 2008 after teaching in several International schools around the world. It is my second year at IES. This year I am going to be teaching Music in grades 5, 6, and 9 as well as be a Mentor in 5A. A few of my favourite things to do in my free time are reading, baking, spending time with my children and travelling.
Ms. Simms
Art Teacher
Greetings! I am a Canadian artist and Arts Specialist, originally from Newfoundland. I love to travel around, and have lived in Japan for six years, Montreal for two, and Ottawa for one. I first came to Sweden in 2015, and taught at IES Eskilstuna for that year. In 2016 I started at IES Älvsjö, so I've been here since the school opened. I look forward to working with everyone again!
Ms. Salalaiko
Art Teacher
Hello! I am Nina Salalaiko and I am a professional artist as well as a teacher of arts and crafts. I am teaching crafts (years 4-5) and textiles (year 6-7).
I am from Riga, Latvia, and have been living for 3 years in Le Mans, France and by now for 6 years in Stockholm. I enjoy seeing my students develop their creativity and reach their project goals.
In my free time I enjoy sailing, running long distances, reading and I am an active member of #Koalalivesmatter.
Ms. Duffy
Art Teacher
Mr. Turner
English Teacher
I am from Bradford, England. I have lived in Sweden since 2016 and I have had the pleasure of working in schools in England, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Sweden. I am looking forward to the year ahead and the opportunity to meet you all and get to know you individually. In my spare time I enjoy reading, writing music, watching movies and climbing.
Ms. Johnson
English teacher
I teach level eight and nine English. I hail from the little state of Rhode Island in the Unites States. My favourite thing about teaching is being able to interact with students and sharing my love of literature and the English language with them! In my spare time you can find me reading a good book with a warm cup of tea, sketching in the park, or exploring new places in the great outdoors!
Ms. Stephen
English teacher
I am an English Language and Literature teacher from London, England.
I have taught in schools in China, Thailand, Vietnam, Nepal, England and Sweden, and I love travelling and exploring new places.
My favourite thing to teach is poetry and storytelling, and in my free time I enjoy reading dystopian fiction and watching psychological thrillers!
Ms. Meiklejohn
English Teacher
I am from Scotland. I have been living in Sweden for 8 years now. I am a Year 4 mentor, and teaching English to Year 4 and Year 5. I have been playing the flute for 12 years and I enjoy painting.
Ms. Hansen
English Teacher
I am from Williamstown, Ontario, Canada. I moved to Sweden in 2012 and taught at another IES School in Stockholm until 2018 before moving to Milan, Italy. I spent two years teaching at an International school in Milan before returning to Stockholm in August 2020. In my spare time I enjoy travelling, hiking, baking and reading.
(HT 2022 - VT 2023: Ms. Hansen is currently on parental leave)
Ms. Can
English Teacher
Ms. Richards
Special Educator
I was born in Sweden but have spent most of my life abroad, in Switzerland and the UK. I am passionate about education and believe each child should have the opportunity to be the very best version of themselves and finding the key to unlock their potential.
Mr. Andersson
Learning Support
I'm from Borlänge, about 3 hours north of Stockholm. I'm on the Learning Support team, helping students in need of extra support, and I am also a mentor in 5B. Outside of school I work as a sports commentator, I record audiobooks, and I also teach piano.
Ms. Romzek
Learning Support
I come from Washington D.C. - with European and Korean roots. I am passionate about working with children and creating an environment that is fun for learning. As a Learning Supporter, I work one on one or in smaller groups of students teaching Math, Science and English. Helping students with their organizational skills in planning their studies is also a skill I develop with the students. Outside of school I am in the forest, in the water, and enjoying the gifts of the Universe.
Ms. Ross
Learning Support
I am originally from Chicago, Illinois in the USA where I studied International Relations at Lake Forest College. I moved to Sweden 20 years ago with my Swedish husband. I continued studying at Stockholm University. I have mostly worked in Corporate Communications, but moved into the education field at EF Education, where I worked with the "High School Year Abroad" program. I helped develop an English program for young children called "English4Kids", and integrated it into the Upgrades Education group. We inspired kids to speak English in small group classes, private tutoring, homework help and even childcare. I thrive in helping students succeed in all aspects of education, especially where English is involved. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy yoga and exercise as well as spending a lot of time with my kids who play ice hockey.
Mr. Skogholt
Learning Support
Ms. Vega
Learning Support
Mr. Thompson
Head of Department & Mathematics Teacher
This will be my 4th year teaching Maths at IES Älvsjö, and I am the Head of Mathematics and I am excited to be teaching year 7 this year. I am from Liverpool in the UK, I graduated with a BSc in Mathematics, and I worked in finance before achieving a PGCE in education. I enjoy helping students embrace the challenges that Maths offers, and helping them learn how to solve those problems.
(HT 2022 - VT 2023: Mr. Thompson is currently on parental leave)
Mr. K Jonsson
Mathematics teacher
Hey! I was born and raised in Botkyrka south of Stockholm. I am basically a civil engineer (Technical Physics) and have been at KTH for several years and researched (Technical Lic. Mathematics) and taught mathematics for a variety of students in many different contexts. This year I am a mathematics teacher and mentor in year 7 at IES Älvsjö, which will be very fun! Outside of school, I like to train in different forms (especially playing tennis), programming, playing chess, reading and discussing philosophy, etc. I am really looking forward to an exciting school year and above all to meet is everyone!
Mr. Boynton
Mathematics Teacher & Head of Year 8
I am originally from the North East of England where I completed my degree in Primary Teaching with Mathematics. I taught for 6 years in England before moving to Sweden in 2018. This year I will be the Head of Grade 8 as well as a teacher of mathematics. My hobbies include coaching football and snooker.
Ms. Pollock
Mathematics Teacher
I am the IES Älvsjö Year 5 Math teacher. I began my teaching career in Canada, next I taught at an international school in Beijing, China, now I have been a proud member of the IESÄ learning community since our doors opened in August of 2016!
Ms. Strömberg
Mathematics Teacher
I am a part of the Mathematics Department and am teaching year 6 math. I am originally from Madison Wisconsin, USA and have lived Sweden for over 20 years now. I enjoy watching students mature and develop over the years, and helping students reach their full potential. Working at IES Älvsjö has allowed me to meet so many talented and inspiring teachers. Between the wonderful staff and amazing students, it is a pure joy to come to work every day.
Mr. Cornwell
Mathematics Teacher
From Victoria, B.C., Canada. Teaching Year 4 Maths. My favourite thing about teaching is getting to know all the students and staff. I enjoy sports such as ice hockey, baseball, and volleyball.
Ms. Vidal
Head of Department & Spanish Teacher
I love teaching my language and my culture. My other passion is Photography.
Ms. Kjällström
Spanish Teacher
I was born in Chile and moved to Sweden 32 years ago. I love music and dance. My favourite thing about teaching is the enthusiasm and joy my students can show when learning Spanish.
Ms. Agan
Spanish Teacher
I am very pleased about returning to IES Älvsjö for another year to teach year 7 and 8 Spanish. Originally from Minnesota, I have taught Spanish in the US and the UK, and taught English in Spain.
Ms. Gex-collet
French Teacher
I am from Auxerre (Burgundy) in France but moved next to Lyon a few years ago. I have a Master degree in Cinema and Literature, with an option in medieval civilisation. I love hiking for hours in nature and travelling. I moved to Sweden in 2018; I have fallen in love with this country, its culture and landscapes.
Ms. Dia
French Teacher
Ms. McKinney
P.E Teacher 4-5
Mr. Rodriguez
Head of Department & P.E Teacher 6-7
Learn new things through movement. Make mistakes, learn from them in a safe environment and where support is one of the fundamental pillars between students and teacher. This is how we live in Physical Education in our school. I am the son of two physical education teachers, strongly influenced by physical education in Japan. They have dedicated one hundred percent to the practice and teaching of Karate Do with a strong educational approach. The latter gave me the fortune to train, teach and compete in karate on four different continents (including Okinawa, the birthplace of karate) and I can assure you that the most important thing to develop through physical activity and sports is people with a good heart, strong and skilful minds with a deep sense of contribution to the environment in which they operate. I deeply believe in the need for structure and order to achieve consistent and meaningful learning in students, from which I demand their maximum in the academic, social, and above all the human quality: to educate is to build better human beings. With the greatest enthusiasm, everyone is welcome to experience Physical Education in our School.
Mr. Myhre
P.E Teacher 8-9
Mr. Hourani
Head of Department & Science Teacher
I am from Birmingham in the UK and have been working at IES for over ten years teaching Science and for the majority of that time working as a Head of Department. My main area of expertise is physics and enjoy sharing my knowledge of Science both inside and outside of the school environment.
Ms. Christana
Science Teacher
My home country is Greece, but I have lived in Sweden for the past four years. I teach Science for years 4 and 5 and I really enjoy some of the discussions I have with my students on various scientific topics. My favorite thing to do during my free time is finding and reading interesting books!
Mr. Mahmoud
Science Teacher
Hello! My name is Mr. Mahmoud and I am from Khartoum, Sudan. I was born and raised in Dubai, U.A.E. I attended and graduated from GMU with a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine, and I have lived in Sweden since 2021.
I have had the pleasure of working in schools in Dubai, Shanghai, and I was also a private tutor in Ireland. This year I joined the Science Department as a Science teacher. I am passionate about teaching science and creating an environment that is fun for learning. I enjoy playing football, swimming, and reading.
Ms. Sharma
Science Teacher
Ms. Osman
Science Teacher
Mr. Levinson
Head of Department & SO Teacher
I come from a long service at our school in Täby where I have worked since 2006 and I joined IES Älvsjö in 2016. I am a qualified teacher in social studies: Geography, Religion, History and Civics, and I have worked within the school system since 2001. I enjoy lots of different activities and my interests range across a wide variety such as computer games, cheerleading, food and unicorns, and probably lots of other things that I would really like but I don't know about them yet. I live with my family and we have three children, and several pet rodents.
Ms. Dufwa
SO Teacher
I am a happy Scanian who has lived in London for ten years, after that I moved to Stockholm and trained as a subject teacher in History and English. At the English school in Älvsjö I will teach SO. As a teacher, I am committed and constantly try to develop and use different learning processes in my teaching. I look forward to inspiring and taking my students on a knowledge journey through the four SO subjects. "When you learn, teach. When you get, give." - Maya Angelou
Ms. Sjöstrand
SO Teacher & Head of Year 7
I was born and raised in Stockholm but have also lived in both the US and Brazil for a couple of years, so in addition to Swedish and English, I also speak fluent Portuguese. I am a certified high school and gymnasium teacher in SO & English and this year I will teach years 6 & 7 in SO. It feels very fun to be back at IES where I had my first teaching job 11 years ago (at IES Nacka). In my free time I coach my one daughter's basketball team and I spend a lot of time sewing (mostly children's clothes) and reading.
Ms. Isaksson
SO Teacher
Ms. Isaksson, det är jag. På IES Älvsjö är jag lärare i SO för alla som går i år 9. SO är alltså historia, samhällskunskap, geografi och historia. Dessa ämnen som gör oss allmänbildade, medvetna om omvärlden och nyfikna på att förstå.
Jag har varit lärare länge och arbetat med varierande uppgifter inom skolans värld och tycker ännu det är roligt.
Mr. M Jonsson
SO Teacher
Ms. Vidzem
Head of Department & Swedish / SVA Teacher
Reading and above all reading comprehension is something I am passionate about and enjoy teaching a lot. My interests are reading, cooking and spending time with family and friends. My family also includes a cat and a dog. I love animals! I look forward to working with you, all fantastic children this school year!
Mr. Bäckström
Swedish Teacher
I was born and raised in Västerås and have lived in Sundsvall, Gothenburg and Uppsala. I teach Swedish in grades 5 and 6 and belong to the Swedish department. In my free time I like to play football, hang out with friends and play music - both to listen to and play by myself.
Mr. Cunningham
Swedish Teacher
Hej! Jag heter Patrick Cunningham. Ursprungligen från den djupaste av värmländska skogar. Numera bosatt i Stockholm sedan sex år tillbaka med min katt (Cosmo). Till vardags är jag en engagerad språklärare som driver en schackklubb. På kvällstid volonterar jag som trädgårdsdräng vid Tantolundens kolonilotter. På min fritid finner jag sinnesro längs löpspåret, på klätterväggen eller med en bra bok.
Ms. Palmkvist
Swedish Teacher
Hi everyone out there! I teach my 4th year here at the school but am also Swedish, English and math teacher. I love teaching and to educate. My passion is reading and socializing with others. Traveling and exercising are also other things I love. I hope we'll see eachother!
Mr. Rask
Swedish Teacher
I am from Värmland, more specifically Hammarö outside Karlstad, but moved to Stockholm about 20 years ago. My subject is Swedish and I teach all classes in grade nine and one grade eight. What I think is fun about being a teacher is all the meetings in the classroom and taking part in the students' thoughts and ideas. When I'm not working, I enjoy music, movies, reading books, playing video games and cross-country skiing (if there is a lot of snow).
Mr. Hansson
Swedish Teacher
My name is Jonatan Hansson and I'm from Sweden. I teach Swedish currently for year 7 and 9 and my favorite parts of the subject are literature and grammar. Outside of school I enjoy music and especially playing guitar.
Ms. Zelin
Swedish Teacher
I am a subject teacher student, teacher, mother and wife. Many would probably describe me as social and easygoing with both feet on the ground. I have a lot of balls in the air and see myself as a pro in multitasking. This year I will be teaching Swedish for year 7 and 8. I look forward to meeting you!
Mr. Johansson
Swedish teacher