Meet the Team

Alexander Harris joined the World Academy of Tirana in 2025 as Director of Academics. Originally from the United Kingdom, he holds a BA in Philosophy & Theology from the University of London, an MA in Linguistics, and an MA in Educational Leadership with Distinction from University College London.

With over fifteen years of leadership experience in international schools, Alexander has held roles including Head of IB, Deputy Head (Academic), Head of Secondary, and Director of Academics across Europe, Asia, and Africa. He is a published author and researcher, currently focusing on the role of AI in education and the development of new theoretical frameworks.

Alexander is a frequent presenter at international conferences, including Cambridge University, GESS Dubai, and the IB Global Conference. His papers and keynotes emphasize school improvement and how educational institutions can embrace innovation while prioritizing student wellbeing.

He is married to Shirin, a fellow educator, author, dramatist, and actor. They have one young daughter together.

Nicolas is from France and brings over 15 years of experience in international education. He has taught and led academic programs across Central America, Europe, and Asia, with expertise spanning the PYP, MYP, DP, and Higher Education levels. Nicolas holds a Master’s degree in Linguistics and a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Lille.

He previously served as the DP Coordinator at the World Academy of Tirana from 2013 to 2017, and he is excited to return with his wife and son. Nicolas is deeply committed to inquiry-based learning, multilingualism, and fostering student agency.

Beyond his classroom and leadership roles, Nicolas has been a dedicated advocate for child protection and student wellbeing. He also served as an elected representative for the East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS), an organization that supports international schools in Southeast Asia through professional development, collaboration, and best practice sharing.

Armelle is from the South of France and joined WAT in 2010. She studied Languages, Translation & International Relations at the Ecole Supérieure de Traduction & Relations Internationales (ESTT) of the Catholic University of Lyon. Following her university studies and vocational training, she worked for several years in higher education (teaching & administration) and in business in Spain, the USA and the UK before moving to Albania in 2009. Armelle is multilingual, speaking French, English, Spanish, Albanian, Tunisian Arabic and Italian.  She has taught at WAT throughout all IB programmes, from PYP, to MYP and DP. Currently, Armelle is the DP French Language B teacher, Head of the Language Acquisition Department and University and Career Counsellor, as well as the DP Coordinator.

Armelle is very passionate about teaching and inspiring kids to be proactive and do their best in order to be well equipped when jumping into a rapidly changing world. It is always a true pleasure when she sees her students grow into responsible, successful and global-minded young adults.

Merijada is from Albania and joined WAT in 2013. She graduated university as a History and Geography Teacher and has been working in education for more than 20 years. Merijada is a senior member of our school and alongside teaching Humanities, she is our MYP coordinator at WAT and teaches Individuals and Societies and Albanian History too. She also been the Service as Action Coordinator for 2 years and CAS Coordinator here at WAT. Merijada has completed many IB workshops and well as child safety and other subject related workshops.

John is from the United States of America and has been at WAT since 2017. His undergraduate degree from Iowa State University is a triple major in Political Science, History, and International Studies, while his graduate degree is in International History from the London School of Economics and Political Science. John has over 23 years of experience in training and education. His primary role at WAT is serving as the Dean of Students and Faculty but he also teaches DP History with an emphasis on European history in the 20th century. In addition, he is also an Extended Essay supervisor and previously a Theory of Knowledge teacher.

Elissa is from the United States and joined WAT in 2018. She studied Classics (Latin and ancient Greek language, literature, and culture) and Art History at Kalamazoo College, Michigan, USA, and is IB certified to teach both MYP and DP Language and Literature. At WAT, alongside her teaching role, she leads our Language and Literature Department, helps to implement the Middle Years Programme at WAT as the Assistant MYP Coordinator, and coordinates meetings and training sessions for her colleagues.

Anda is from Albania and joined WAT in 2025. She holds two Master’s degrees—one in Mathematics and another in Informatic Economics—both from the University of Tirana. Anda is also IB-certified to teach Mathematics at both the MYP and DP levels.

With over 18 years of teaching experience, she is committed to helping students strengthen their mathematical understanding, build confidence, and develop strong problem-solving skills.

Originally from Albania, Alfred graduated from METU (Middle East Technical University) in Turkey. His career as a teacher started in 2012 and he has worked at various international schools in Albania and has completed a number of professional development courses and trainings. As a teacher, Alfred encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, and his aim is to provide a a broad range of learning opportunities to cater to different learning styles. Alfred teach Science in MYP and Physics in DP here at WAT. He is married to Albanian too, Elena and they have a son aged 9 years old.

Aurora is Albanian and joined WAT in 2014. She studied Albanian Language & Literature at the University of Tirana. Aurora is an IB trained teacher for both MYP and DP programs and is our TOK & Self-Taught Coordinator, teaching Albanian A in MYP and DP, as well as Theory of Knowledge. Throughout her 17 years of experience, she has explored different areas of Albanian Language by working as an Albanian A teacher and book Editor. She has enjoyed working as a Youth Specialist of the Canadian program for foster care kids, TIF. Aurora enjoys the opportunity to see our students take their mother tongue as a Self-Taught subject.

Amal is from Pakistan and joined WAT in 2023. She has many years of international teaching experience. Amal is an active IBEN member and has been teaching DP Business Management for many years.

Andia is from Albania. She joined WAT in 2021. Andia has a Bachelor's degree in German Language and a Master's in Teaching German as a Second Language from the University of Tirana. She has been working as a teacher and translator for over five years. In addition to her teaching experience, Andia has attended different workshops, online courses and conferences.

Cansu is from Istanbul, Turkey and joined WAT in 2023. She graduated from Uludag University with a degree in English Language Teaching and also holds a TESOL (Teaching in English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate.

Dea is from Albania and joined WAT in 2023. She has a Bachelor's degree in Language and Communication from the University of Tirana and an MSc in French Language. Dea continued her studies on Erasmus at the University of Kliment Ohridski in Sofia, Bulgaria and the University of Clermont Auvergne in Clermont Ferrand, France.

Enida holds a Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Electronic Engineer from the Polytechnic University of Tirana. With a background in Information Technology and 12 years of experience in education, she is a result-driven and detail-oriented professional. She has also been Head of Department for 5 years prior to joining WAT to teach MYP ICT. Enida has kept her skills up to date through the latest certificates and courses both in teaching and ICT.

Era is from Albania. She joined WAT in 2022 and has a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Tirana and a Master's degree in teaching from the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Tirana.

Erdi is Albanian and has been at WAT since 2015. In addition to acquiring a Master's degree in Sport Sciences from the University of Sports in Tirana, Erdi has 15 years of hands-on experience in teaching and coaching. He currently teaches Physical and Health Education in the MYP and DP programs here at WAT and is our Head of Department. He is a certified MYP Physical and Health Education teacher, encouraging student learning by incorporating exciting sports, games, and activities that reinforce the importance of health and physical fitness. These activities also promote active participation, teamwork, organisation, and strategy. Erdi also utilises a number of approaches and teaching techniques to ensure that each student is able to comprehend the presented information, enhance their own personal skills, have fun and socialise.

Jacques possesses a diverse range of professional qualifications and experiences. Firstly, he holds the title of Registered Teacher, accredited by the South African Council for Educators (SACE) and the Hong Kong Education Bureau (EDB). Additionally, he is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS). Furthermore, Jacques is proud to be a World Rugby Educator, with accreditations in Officiating, Coaching, and in Strength & Conditioning. Throughout his teaching career, he's held various roles in the fields of Primary and Secondary Education across all three Key Stages. These opportunities have been presented to him in numerous countries spanning Southern Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Jacques' true passion lies in the realms of education and sport, and he is deeply committed to making a positive impact and contributing to the growth and development of these two vital spheres. Jacques is excited to be teaching both MYP, and DP English at WAT this year and assisting his students to achieve great heights.

Jona is from Albania and joined WAT in 2015. She has a Bachelor's degree in Mathematical Sciences and a Scientific Masters in Teaching Mathematics. Jona is a CAS coordinator and has completed many IB trainings.