EARLY YEARS AND PRIMARY SCHOOL

Kristine Ertl
Director of Early Years and Primary

• Teaching license- Elementary Education 
• Cambridge Professional Development Qualifications Certificate 
• Master’s degree in Education: Globalization in Education, emphasis on International Education Programmes and Educational Research

I began my career in teaching over 10 years ago in South Korea teaching ESL students. It was through this experience that I discovered my passion and love for education, especially the education of young learners. Over the years I have worked in South Korea, Mexico, Turkey and now here, in Colombia. I have experience teaching in the IB as well as other international programs and have leadership experience in the PYP as an English Coordinator and as the PYP Coordinator. I am very excited and passionate about this role here at TES!

I strongly believe in the value of education for all, specifically the kind of education that the IB can offer. While academic excellence is of high value, our world has become a place that is in a strong need of passionate, valued and principled people who can lead and develop new ideas to solve the problems that we face as a human population. Through the IB education, students are given the skills and confidence to make a difference, not only in their school and local community, but also in the greater global community. 

The PYP program is the base for everything we build upon through to the MYP, DP and beyond. We have an exciting opportunity to shape young learners into the kinds of children who could be the next leaders of this world; with potential beyond our wildest dreams. I am excited to share this passion with the TES community and hope to inspire our students, teachers, and our TES community; to help develop critically thinking, open-minded, and caring global citizens who make an impact that exceeds our expectations!

Andrea Vanegas
IBPYP Coordinator