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News | 14 February 2025

Introducing our Principal : Ms. Jennifer Sembrant

An interview with Ms. Sembrant, Principal of IES Västerås. Learn more about her journey into education, passion for creating a positive and inclusive learning environment, and her vision for the future of the school. Ms. Sembrant fosters equality and prioritises student wellbeing while addressing their diverse learning needs. We are proud to have her leading our school as she makes IES Västerås a unique and thriving school.

How long have you been a Principal?

I started as the principal in IES Västerås 2 years ago, before that I worked as the principal in a kommunal school in Kungsör - Kung Karls Skola.

What inspired you to pursue a career in education and become a Principal? 

When I studied the teachers program one of my professors asked me Why I wanted to become a teacher, my answer was that I wanted to make a change. After that realisation, one of my goals became working as a principal for that same reason. When I finished the teachers program I started to work as a teacher in high school and at the same time I started to study a Master program in didactics to get a better overview in Swedish education. Then I studied the principals’ program alongside working as an Assistant Principal and later I reached one of my goals - to work as a Principal.

What do you enjoy about being a Principal ?

I believe in equality and working as a Principal I have the possibility to make changes and opportunities for so many students. To be a part of students' educational journey is a privilege, and to see individuals develop and find their path is amazing. I want to be a part of making it possible for every student to get the best opportunities for their future and reach their goals.

How do you foster a positive and inclusive school culture?  

Equality is key in all decisions I make. I also believe that our IES Ethos promotes equality and inclusiveness since we should meet every student in the same way. 

What measures do you take to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students?

Besides different types of surveys where students can give their perspective of safety and wellbeing in the school, we have lectures and workshops for both students and staff. We also focus on being visible all around school and creating good relationships with the students fostering our trust in one and other. This year we are a part of three PE-projects, #movewithIES, a research project with GIH Hjärnhälsa, and Rörelsesatsningen with RFSISU, where wellbeing and health are focus areas and we will continue implementing these as a part of IES Västerås.

How do you address diverse learning needs within the school? 

In every school you should meet all students where they are at and support them in reaching their full potential. We have a strong and well-functioning Student Care Team where we, together with teachers, bring up and discuss areas where we need to focus on. We are also, steadily, implementing a language development approach/ Språkutvecklande arbetssätt that could be explained as a didactic perspective with focus on a common school/subject language.    

What is your vision for the school in the next five years?  

I want the school to fully work with a language development approach/ Språkutvecklande arbetssätt and that we are fully functioning in our health project - I believe that these are the key areas for a modern school.  Students' wellbeing and health is very important, we will foster and educate students to be strong and caring individuals opening great opportunities for their futures.