The Journey of an English Teacher

At Xenion High School, teachers don't just educate, but they also inspire. One of the schools' most passionate English teachers, Miss Kendra Loizou, shared her thoughts about her teaching philosophy and the lessons that she hopes to impart to her students.

Through our conversation, it became clear that her dedication goes far beyond teaching English, as she aims to guide her students to become motivated and accomplished

An Interview with Miss Kendra Loizou 

By Alexia Fekka

Q1:What is the most important lesson you want your students to learn from you?

Miss Kendra believes that enthusiasm and effort are the keys to success, in school but also in the real world.

"I want my students to approach everything they do with energy and give 100% of themselves," she said."Whether it's English, other subjects, being a good friend, preparing for A-levels, or helping out at home, putting in your best effort matters."

Her advice is a reminder that success is not just about results but also about commitment and integrity.

Q2: What do you think is the biggest challenge teachers face today?

"Time management", she replied without hesitation. "A lot of people don't realize how much time it takes to be an exceptional teacher—only other teachers truly understand." 

Between lesson planning, marking, and engaging with students, teachers often find their time overwhelmingly stretched. Despite these challenges, Miss Kendra remains committed to maintaining high standards for herself and her students.

Q3: How do you inspire your students to enjoy learning?

"I try to be enthusiastic and passionate about my subject because if I'm not, how can I expect my students to be?" she explained. 

Miss Loizou invests significant effort in planning engaging and creative lessons while remaining flexible. "I pay attention to the mood of the classroom. If I sense that students are tired or overwhelmed, I adapt and sometimes lighten the atmosphere with humor." 

This balance of creativity and attentiveness helps her foster a positive learning environment.

Q4: What subject or experience from your school years influenced you the most as a teacher?

Surprisingly, Miss Kendra said her most influential experiences weren't from inspiring teachers but from uninspiring ones.

"I remember sitting in boring lessons with disengaged teachers, thinking, 'I would never want to make my students feel this way'", she recalled.

These experiences motivated her to create a different kind of classroom—one where students feel confident, valued, and inspired to do their best.

Q5: If you could introduce a new subject into the curriculum, what would it be?

Miss Kendra has a clear vision for a new subject: life skills.

"I'd introduce a course on practical skills like budgeting, applying for housing or university, cooking, and laundry—things you need to know as an adult," she said with a smile.

She also emphasized the importance of teaching kindness, such as consideration to waitstaff and treating others with respect. "It's about learning how to be a decent human being."

Q6: How do you balance creativity and structure in your teaching?

Miss Kendra said that the balance is in her core values. 

"Care about others as much as—or more than—you care about yourself. Have integrity. Put your best effort into everything and be satisfied with that. And always remember—the best is yet to come." 

Her approach combines structure and creativity, allowing her students to grow academically while learning important life lessons.

Miss Kendra Loizou is more than just an English teacher, she is a mentor who strives to inspire confidence, passion, and a lifelong love for learning in her students. Her commitment to trying to make a difference in her students' lives sends out a powerful reminder of what teachers are capable of inside and outside the classroom. Through her considerate teaching methods, she leaves an indelible mark in the heart of each student she teaches here in Xenion High School.