During the Copenhagen I (MO) had the pleasure to interview Linda Pavītola(LP). She’s a member of the ETEN board and has special responsability for the ECOs and exchange activities together with Michael Roemer. We are aiming to publish more portraits of active ETEN colleagues here. 

Link to all portaits.

MO: Tell me something about yourself, Where did it start?

I was born and grew up in Liepāja, Latvia’s third largest city, located by the sea. I also studied there and at the same time studied at a music school. I have spent most of my life in Liepāja, because I also chose university studies in preschool pedagogy and psychology there – at Liepāja University (now it is Riga Technical University Liepāja Academy). It was the time when Latvia regained its freedom and could once again be an independent and independent country, therefore, I could use the opportunity to study abroad for one semester after graduation. I got a scholarship and went to Sweden and studied one semester in Växjö (now Linné University). This was invaluable experience both professionally and personally – it was my first time abroad because during Soviet occupation it was not possible to travel outside the Soviet Union. I think that these studies made me interested in getting to know different countries and people, as well as highly appreciating the opportunity to learn and share professional experience.

Since education has always been a value in our family, I am very proud of my three daughters who have chosen different educational and professional paths while studying in Riga Technical University in Latvia, Aalto University in Finland and Copenhagen Technical University in Denmark. Their professional fields are equally different – one is a professional squash player and works as the Director of Squash at the University Club of Washington, DC, the other is a graphic designer at “eazyBI” (Easy Business Intelligence for Project Teams), and the third is a Scientific Officer in the European Chemicals Agency.

After returning from my studies in Sweden, 1994, I started working at the University of Liepāja as a lecturer in music teacher programme. My subjects were piano playing and music pedagogy. While studying for a doctoral degree in pedagogy, my interest became more and more related to branch pedagogy and pedagogy in general. I was involved in the management and implementation of various continuing education courses, as well as in the management of teacher study programs, becoming the director of the “Teacher” study program, which includes the education of teachers of various specializations. An important part of my professional development has always been working in various projects, both at the national and international level.

Since 2017 I am a professor at the Liepaja University (now Riga Technical University Liepāja Academy), and I also do administrative work as a vice director in scientific work. My subjects and interests are connected with music in education, cultural values, quality of education, diversity and inclusion.

MO: How did you meet the ETEN organisation? 

While working in international project networks, I learned from my partners that there is also a network for teachers, which is aimed at expanding internationalization, student exchange and also organizes conferences where experiences can be shared. As I have always encouraged and supported students both by involving them in project activities and by supporting ERASMUS mobility, I was interested to learn something more. Searching the website, I also found the steps to apply. I was supported by the university management and in 2019 I participated in the conference for the first time and also presented my institution. I am very glad that we were accepted and became part of the ETEN family. Now I feel that my other colleagues participating in various TIGs are also interested.

I am very honoured to be included in the list of candidates and elected in the ETEN Board and believe that the network is doing a really useful and passionate work in the field of teacher education and I am proud to be part of it as an ECO. I am very pleased to contribute to the common goals and ideas and do my best.

MO: why is it important to be a part of this organisation?

I think the main value of this network is people who are passionate and interested in their profession and share a common vision. Openness and friendly relations between ETEN members are very important. Networking opens wide opportunities for mobility, projects, exchange of experience, both professionally and personally. ETEN Spring conferences are an excellent way for professionals from different fields to share their experience and create innovative ideas.

I think, teachers are very important for creating inclusive, equitable, and democratic learning communities, as well as in the education of future teachers, who are supposed to be able to apply the knowledge, skills and dispositions that support diverse learners.

MO: Thanks a lot Linda! I look forward to follow your dedicated work!

Categories: 2024 Copenhagen, Portraits