Jelena Kalames took up her post as head of education in Valga Municipality on 9 March. She chose her new position because Valga municipality is her home and she is keen to contribute to the development of her region.
„I have been working in the field of education and youth for over 15 years in various roles and I would like to apply my experience and knowledge to the educational life of Valga municipality. For me, the most important people are teachers, all professionals working with children and young people, educational leaders and young people and children with their families. I want Valga municipality to have an educational environment where children and young people can learn well and where educators can do their job well,“ said Jelena Kalames.
According to the new education director, the main aim of his first month in the job is to visit the educational institutions in the municipality, get to know how they work and discuss the joys and challenges with the teams in the schools and nurseries. Kalames has worked in several roles in the field of education and youth. He has worked as a youth counsellor and teacher, as a youth project manager and as a director of a youth school. While working for the Unemployment Fund, she was responsible for creating opportunities for adult jobseekers for retraining and further training.
As a career counsellor for young people, she worked closely with schools in Valga County, listening to young people's stories about their choices, dreams and future plans. At county level, she has also been active in the youth project „Nupp Nokib“, working with teachers and youth workers. In recent years, Jelena Kalames has worked as the director of the Tartu Nature House Recreation School. She is committed to lifelong learning and has recently graduated from the University of Tartu with a Master's degree in Educational Innovation.
Welcome to the team, Jelena!