Ann-Kathrin (Anca) Geidel spent 10 weeks at VERSO as part of her teaching placement. Having taught in diverse educational settings, in the US, Spain, and her native Germany, Anca sought out VERSO as a school that aligns well with her growing teaching ethos. Passionate about the transformative potential of project-based learning in shaping the future of education, Anca delved into the intricacies of our future-ready curriculum. Her specialism is English and she worked with the Upper Loop team under UL Learning Designer Christina Nagle's mentorship. Below is her reflection of the time spent at VERSO during February - May 2024.

If I were to sum up my internship at VERSO in one word, it would be unusual.

VERSO is unusual in its approach, and that is reflected in anything they do. I feel incredibly privileged to have had the opportunity to work with a team of highly skilled, driven Learning Designers. At VERSO, there is a constant stream of inspiration all around you. Be it in weekly team or Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings or as simple as individual talks with learners, everyone at VERSO is committed to ensuring high-quality learning in authentic settings and contexts.

It was great to see that VERSO enforces “IDENTITY. ENGAGEMENT. CONFIDENCE.” not only among their learners but also among their Learning Designers.

"Where other schools might draw a line and say, 'You can't,' VERSO finds a way to make it work. I believe this mindset will shape a new generation of creative and confident citizens who are ready to reach for the stars rather than being held back by conformity, questioning the status quo rather than comfortably standing by."

-ANCA GEIDEL

I was never treated as “just an intern," and my opinion was always sought after and appreciated. Working in this environment has in many ways reshaped how I think about myself as an educator and about education as a whole, but most importantly, it has shown me how valuable great and committed teamwork can be. Though it might sound cheesy, VERSO felt like a place where anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Where other schools might draw a line and say, “You can't," VERSO finds a way to make it work. I believe this mindset will shape a new generation of creative and confident citizens who are ready to reach for the stars rather than being held back by conformity, questioning the status quo rather than comfortably standing by.

I would recommend VERSO as an internship placement, be it from my own university program or any other internship, especially to those who are looking to challenge their own perception of what (international) education ought to be.

Thank you, VERSO, for welcoming me with open arms and making me feel right at home amidst your community - I will cherish the memories made and hope to see you all again!

-Ann-Kathrin (Anca) Geidel