Short Interview: Melanie Tvrdinic

My name is Melanie and I am the English teacher in the new British section of EFIZ.

I am originally from Canada and moved to Croatia in my teens. I have been teaching ESL in Zagreb for over 18 years.

Throughout my career I have taught both adults and children. Being the eldest of 5 I have always been teaching something to someone and becoming a teacher just came naturally to me. I love getting the best out of my students and making them strive for excellence. I love to teach literature and I love analyzing different genres with my students.

I came to EFIZ accidentally after seeing a notice that the British section was opening.

I think my students would describe me as being demanding and fair. I would like to believe that they look forward to my classes but that might be asking for too much. I would like to assure parents that I look at each student as an individual and I grade them or push them depending on their capabilities.

Both parents and students can also always come to me for any questions whenever they feel that they aren’t sure whether or not they/their child is having difficulties or perhaps they think they/their child should be progressing more.