Penny Backus
Qualifications
PGCE-qualified educator with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and 12 years of teaching experience in the United States and Romania. Brings expertise in international education, multilingual learning environments, and outdoor, hands-on learning that nurtures curiosity, resilience, and a meaningful connection with the natural world.
Training
- PGCE Bath University
- B.S. in Early Childhood Education, University of Alabama, The University of Alabama, Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences 2008, College of Arts & Sciences.
- 6 years of teaching experience in the United States, working in preschool settings with multilingual learners and children from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds
- 6 years of teaching experience in international schools in Romani
- 5 summers working at children’s summer camps as an Art Director and teacher, designing creative programmes and leading engaging, hands-on learning experienc
- 1 year working in outdoor education, leading woodland learning experiences and teaching environmental science and teamwork through hands-on exploration. This role reinforced my belief that outdoor education, or even simply being outdoors, is a powerful way to inspire curiosity, resilience and a deeper connection to the natural world.
At Questfield
I joined Questfield International College in 2019, first as a Nursery teacher, then as an Arts teacher and now as a KS1 primary teacher.
My approach
I am passionate about creating a classroom where children feel inspired, valued, and excited to learn. I believe learning should be creative, active, and full of opportunities for children to talk, move, share ideas, and learn from one another. I am also deeply passionate about reading and believe it is one of the most powerful tools for learning, helping children to build knowledge, develop empathy, strengthen social skills, understand their feelings, and imagine new possibilities for themselves and the world around them. I am committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment where every child feels heard, respected, and celebrated for their individuality, helping them to grow in confidence and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Beyond the classroom
When I am not teaching, you can find me taking photos, building with Legos or taking my daughter out on adventures throughout the city.