I was born in Knurów in Silesia. I graduated with a bachelor's and master's degree from the Academy of Physical Education in Katowice. My adventure with teaching began in 2005, when I started working as a physical education teacher in high school and junior high school. In 2015, I moved to the USA and in September of the same year I started working at the Polish Language School in Utah. I have been the school's principal since 2016. In 2024, I began working with the Forum of Polish Teachers of the West Coast of the USA, taking the position of Chairwoman of the Forum for Applications. Since 2019, I have been working as a physical education teacher (PE) in an elementary school in the USA. In my private life, I am a happy wife, mother of three children and owner of a lovely dog.

I completed my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Biotechnology and Biochemistry at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, and then earned my Ph.D. in Clinical Sciences at the University of Edinburgh. After a postdoctoral fellowship at Washington University in Saint Louis, in 2023 I began working as an independent researcher (Assistant Professor) at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. I currently run my own research laboratory, where I conduct research in the field of immunology and cell biology. I combine this with teaching students at the University of Utah and obtaining grants for scientific development. I have been associated with the Saturday School of Polish Language for 2 years and serve as its vice director. In my private life, I am a mother of 4-year-old Sara. I am wholeheartedly committed to promoting the Polish language and supporting its learning among the Polish community in Utah.

I was born in the USA in American Fork. My journey with the Polish language began when I lived in Poland for a year and a half. I really liked the language, culture, and people. In the future, I plan to return and explore more corners of this beautiful country, Poland. I got married in 2023, and this year we are expecting our first child. I really enjoy teaching at the Polish school and getting to know the Polish community. I am currently studying at BYU, pursuing a degree to become a teacher.

My name is Jacqueline Leś, and I’m a Polish-American from Chicago, Illinois. My family roots trace back to Rzeszów, where my parents were born. I’m a proud graduate of the Tadeusz Kościuszko Polish School in Chicago. Last year, I had the chance to return to the school as a teaching assistant and substitute for the first-grade class. After high school, I continued my education at Loyola University Chicago, graduating in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology and minors in psychology and bioethics. I’m currently pursuing a master’s degree in genetic counseling at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. My positive experiences at Polish school inspired me to get involved with the local Polish school and its students this year. I’m truly grateful for the chance to share and celebrate Polish culture with the students at our Polish school!

I come from Stronie Śląskie, picturesquely located in the Kłodzko Valley south of Wrocław. I am a scientist by education – I graduated from the Wrocław University of Science and Technology and the Medical Academy in Wrocław. In 2008, I came to the USA for a research internship at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. I fell in love with both the States and the science at “Vandy”, which convinced me to stay there for my PhD. After graduating, in 2014 I moved to Salt Lake City, where I currently work as a scientist at the University of Utah. Working with children and young people has always been close to my heart. I started as a scout, then as an instructor at sailing camps, and then as a mentor for students conducting research at universities in Poland, at Vanderbilt and at the University of Utah, where I continue this passion. Working with young people gives me great satisfaction and joy. I have only been working at the Polish Language School in Utah for a short time, but I joined the teaching staff with great enthusiasm. I try to show the beauty of the Polish language and prove that learning it can be not only valuable, but also full of fun and joy. In my private life, I am a wife and mother of two wonderful children. In my free time, I ski in the winter, sail in the summer or go camping, discovering new corners of America. Apart from that, I love listening to books, discovering new music, running and baking homemade cakes.