Valeria Fumagalli

Valeria Fumagalli
Valeria Fumagalli

Teacher of Philosophy, Theory of Knowledge, and Environmental Systems and Societies
 

Education

  • MA in Philosophical Sciences, Historical Curriculum, University of Milan, Italy
  • QTS in Philosophy and History for Upper Secondary School, Italian Ministry of Education
  • Postgraduate Course in CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning), Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Italy

Bio

I’m Valeria, an Italian Philosophy teacher deeply passionate about my work as an educator, driven by curiosity, empathy, and a strong commitment to international education. I come from the beautiful Lake Como, and I have a genuine love for ideas, inquiry, and intercultural exploration. At UWC Dilijan, I teach Philosophy, Theory of Knowledge, and Environmental Systems and Societies. I believe in creating learning environments where questions matter more than answers, and where education becomes a meaningful, transformative experience.

In addition to teaching, I’m also an IB and Cambridge examiner, and I’m currently completing a PhD in Philosophy. I’ve taught in two international schools in Italy and I’ve lived in Greece, Turkey, Morocco, Portugal, Ireland, and Spain, experiences that have profoundly shaped my worldview and deepened my appreciation for diverse cultural perspectives.

I speak Italian (of course), Spanish, English, Portuguese, and a bit of French, and I’m always eager to learn new languages. Beyond the classroom, you’ll often find me reading a book with a cup of coffee in hand. I’m passionate about travel, not just for the destinations, but for the people, stories, and ways of thinking that every journey reveals.

What is the favourite part of the course you teach?
It often depends on the group of students, as they have the power to open up new perspectives and help you see familiar topics in unexpected ways. That said, ethics is usually my favourite area to explore, as it’s a common thread across all three subjects I teach. I especially enjoy linking ethical questions to the attributes of the IB Learner Profile, creating space for reflection, discussion, and personal growth.


Which teaching method do you prefer and why? 
I prefer an inquiry-based approach that encourages students to ask meaningful questions, explore real-world issues, and take ownership of their learning. Whenever possible, I design learning experiences that culminate in a final product, whether it’s a presentation, an article, a debate, or a creative output, that allows students to synthesise what they’ve learned and communicate it with purpose.


Who is your role model or mentor or who inspires you?
My mum inspires me every day, managing to smile even in the most challenging moments of life. From her, I’ve learned the true meaning of resilience, warmth, and the enduring importance of family. Last but not least, she makes the best pastasciutta in the world.


What is your life motto? 
Where there’s a will, there’s a way.


What are the three things you can't imagine your life without?
Love, friendship, philosophy, and Italian Coffee: they are actually four!

What do you like to do in your spare time? 
I enjoy going to the gym, walking, horse riding, and spending time with friends.