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News | 08 May 2024

Who is Barbara Kucera?

It's time to get to know all the teachers and staff who will meet the students at IES Norrtälje in the autumn! Next up is art teacher Barbara Kucera, who is also the artist behind the beautiful mural at the school's entrance.

What did you do before you started at IES Norrtälje?
I have worked at IES for over ten years. For example, I helped start IES Liljeholmen in Stockholm back in 2014. 

What is the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is that I get to see students create something new every day, and I get to be there when they create something they love. 

What are you most looking forward to when the school has opened?
I am looking forward to a fresh start for everyone. A brand-new school means a new start for all of us together, students and teachers. We can build something really wonderful!

Tell something about yourself not many people know.
I used to work as a family photographer back in Canada. Trying to get the perfect photo of three toddlers together in one session was quite a challenge.

What was your favourite subject in school?
My favourite subjects in school were always art and math. The more you like a subject, the more you work on it, the easier it becomes. 

How do you get the students interested in learning new things?
I want students to know that art can be created in so many different ways. If you have a message you want to share with the world, art is an excellent way to do that, especially if, like me, you are not the best with words. I love providing projects where students can choose the themes and ideas they care about. 

What's your best memory with your students?
My favourite memories are when I see my year 9s looking back over their sketchbook from all the years and tell me, 'Ms. Kucera, look how much better I got over the years.'  They can see their progress and it's their own hard work that got them there.