Managing Director and Co-Founder

Wojciech Bachalski is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of JDJ International Open Schools (JDJ IOS), a venture of JDJ Bachalski. He oversees JDJ IOS’ operations, programs, and growth.

Media Contributions

Wojciech is a recognized voice on international education, modern learning, and educational technology, contributing to leading Polish media outlets, including Wprost, Infor.pl, Rzeczpospolita, Super Express (Super Biznes), My Company Polska, Wirtualne Media, Strefa Edukacji, Gazeta.pl, Silesion, Nasze Miasto, Pomaturze.pl, and Gazeta Wyborcza, among others.

Education & Professional Background

• IB Diploma — St. Clare’s, Oxford (UK)
• Bachelor’s degree in Management (Business Administration) — Donghua University, Shanghai (after transferring from Macquarie University, Sydney, with credit transfer)
• Master of Science in Digital Education Management — GBSB Global Business School (12 ECTS completed; paused to focus on building JDJ IOS)
• Mandarin Chinese Language Certificate (HSK 4) — East China Normal University, Shanghai
• Certificate in “Future of Education in China: Innovation, Design, and Technology” — Smart Learning Institute, Beijing Normal University
• TEFL Certificate (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) — earned during a teaching position at the National Institute of Technology in Beijing, on his gap year at age 19

Prior Experience

• Former Education Director, Co-founder, and Lead Teacher at Ciaotong, Shanghai — co-creator of an original play-based English-learning program for children (games, music, arts & crafts, drama & acting, and learning through everyday surroundings) rather than traditional textbooks. Responsible for curriculum development, staff training, and teaching.
• English teacher at various language training schools in China, and private tutor in IB Business & Management and IB Psychology to international students in Shanghai
• Co-organiser of the 2019 Poland–China Economic and Trade Forum with CEATEC, among other initiatives

Leadership & Affiliations

• Board Member — JDJ Bachalski Limited
• Board Member — Fundacja Edukacji Bez Granic DJ Bachalskiego (Bachalski’s Education Without Borders Foundation)
• Country Representative to Poland — CEATEC (China–Europe Association for Technical and Economic Cooperation)
• President — Centre of International Programs Student Association (CIPSA), Donghua University
• Vice-President & Cofounder — Fresh-Start Rotaract Club of Shanghai (promoting social entrepreneurship)

Outside his education-sector work, Wojciech has also explored other entrepreneurial endeavours — including running a jewellery business in China — and, during his student years, enjoyed performing on stage through acting and stand-up comedy.

President and Owner of Bachalski Group

Dariusz Jacek Bachalski, known as Jacek, is the owner and president of Bachalski Group and co-founder of JDJ International Open Schools (JDJ IOS), a venture of JDJ Bachalski. While day-to-day operations are led by the Managing Director, he oversees JDJ IOS’ key financial, legal, and strategic decisions, guiding its long-term direction.

Business Background

An entrepreneur with over three decades of experience, Jacek has founded and led ventures across education, media, hospitality, real estate, horticulture, and healthcare. Among his real estate initiatives, he organized the first Polish property fair in London.

His education brand, JDJ Bachalski, operated a nationwide network of language schools across Poland and the region from 1990 to 2011 and, as a representative of overseas language and secondary schools, organized language courses and study-abroad programs — a legacy that today continues through JDJ IOS.

His other ventures, under Bachalski Group, include the medical centre network Medi-Raj, the regional news outlet gorzow24.pl (previously also the newspaper Tylko Gorzów), Cafe Raj, and many others.

Public Service

From 2001 to 2007, Jacek served in the Parliament of the Republic of Poland — first as a Member of the Sejm (the lower house, 2001–2005), where he sat on the Committee for Education, Science and Youth (among others), and then as a Senator (2005–2007).

JDJ IOS

In 2020, together with his son Wojciech Bachalski, he co-founded JDJ International Open Schools — investing in and shaping the venture from the outset — with the mission of changing lives for the better by blending education and technology.

Front Office & Admissions Manager

Mikołaj brings extensive experience in customer service, operational process coordination, and client relationship management, gained through collaboration with international organizations such as Volkswagen, Audi, Tesla, LeasePlan, and PayPal. He has also developed his expertise as a Business–IT Liaison, contributing to the design and implementation of operational solutions that are now widely used within the assistance industry.

At JDJ International Open Schools, Mikołaj is responsible for leading the Front Office team, developing staff competencies, delivering sales training, and fostering a culture of excellence through mentoring and effective knowledge sharing. He plays an active role in the admissions process, providing each prospective student and family with personalized support and professional guidance. His dedication helps ensure a smooth, efficient, and welcoming experience throughout every stage of the application and enrollment journey.

Front Office & Admissions Officer

Zofia Nawrocka holds a Master’s degree in Education from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. As a Front Office & Admissions Officer at JDJ International Open Schools, she plays a key role in guiding prospective students and their families through the admissions process for our international education programs.

Passionate about working with people, Zofia chose to pursue a degree in Education as a natural extension of her interests and values. She finds the greatest satisfaction in supporting students and parents, believing that strong collaboration and guidance can make a meaningful difference in a young person’s educational journey.

Her approachable nature, attention to detail, and commitment to providing outstanding support help ensure that every family receives personalized guidance and a positive experience from their very first interaction with JDJ IOS.

Outside of work, Zofia enjoys staying active, watching films, and exploring Danish culture, which holds a special place in her heart.

Student Engagement & Operations Coordinator

Que Anh supports JDJ International Open Schools in the areas of student engagement, organizational development, and project coordination. Prior to joining JDJ IOS, she interned with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Thailand, contributing to international development projects focused on stakeholder engagement, project management, and cross-functional collaboration.

She also holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development and Global Governance, combining expertise in international development, organizational leadership, and global cooperation.

At JDJ IOS, Que Anh contributes to student engagement initiatives, process improvement, operational support, and partnership development. Her work helps ensure the smooth day-to-day functioning of the organization while fostering positive student experiences and strengthening relationships with students, families, and educational partners.

Senior Academic Advisor & Lead Educational Mentor

Dr. Wojciech Krawczyk serves as Senior Academic Advisor & Lead Educational Mentor at JDJ International Open Schools, bringing over 20 years of experience in international education and academia. He holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics and degrees in English and Spanish Philology from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. He is also a certified sworn translator of both languages. His strong academic background and extensive teaching experience help maintain the highest educational standards at JDJ IOS.

Throughout his career, Dr. Krawczyk has specialized in international student exchange programs, including Erasmus initiatives, admissions processes, and curriculum development. He also possesses extensive expertise in intercultural communication and advanced Learning Management Systems (LMS), making him well-suited to the innovative and flexible online learning environment offered by JDJ IOS.

As Senior Academic Advisor & Lead Educational Mentor, he provides strategic academic guidance and personalized mentoring to students enrolled in the American High School and Dual Diploma programs. His goal is to help students achieve academic excellence and prepare them for admission to prestigious universities around the world.

Outside of his professional work, Wojciech is a passionate music enthusiast. He studied classical guitar at a secondary music school and continues to enjoy making music in his free time, having also performed for several years in a guitar duo. He finds balance and inspiration in nature, often spending his leisure time on long walks.

My name is Ravinder Manku, and I have been working in education for over 25 years. I have a degree in education, and teaching is my passion because it allows me to make a positive impact on my students’ lives. I teach English and history at American High School and have had the opportunity to work with students from many different parts of the world. I live in Toronto, Canada, and I love interacting with students because I believe I can learn just as much from them as they can from me.

A science teacher with over five years of experience who believes that learning is most effective when students feel valued, supported, and capable.

Favorite quote: Success is important, but the outcome is what matters most.

My mission in education is to make learning accessible and meaningful for every student. Teaching is not just about conveying content, but also about fostering critical thinking skills, encouraging students to ask questions, and building their self-confidence.

What motivates me most is witnessing those moments of growth when students begin to realize they are capable of more than they previously thought.

Outside of class, I enjoy reading fiction, trying new restaurants, and keeping a journal.

Jennifer Conti is a dedicated faculty leader and English teacher at American High School—she has been helping students succeed for 13 years.

She brings unique experience and a deep commitment to education. A former Marine, she has been in education since 2007 and has dedicated the last 13 years to helping AHS students grow academically and personally. Her passion is working with students, guiding them toward self-confidence, strong communication skills, and realizing their full potential.

Outside of school, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. Her dedication, leadership, and belief in the transformative power of education consistently and profoundly impact the entire AHS community.

Meet Angelica Lindros, a social studies teacher at American High School.

Favorite quote: “When others lower the bar, we raise it.” Michelle Obama

As an educator, Ms. Angelica believes that following instructions and paying attention to details are the foundation of excellence, responsibility, and mutual respect—not only in education but in every student’s life. Clearly defined expectations help create a structured environment where meaningful content can help students grow and understand what success truly means. Ms. Angelica strives to present the material in a structured, engaging, and accessible way for all students. Beyond teaching itself, Ms. Angelica believes in strong teacher-student relationships—supporting students and correcting them when necessary so that every student stays on the right track. Most importantly, Ms. Angelica deeply believes in every student’s potential. Through consistency, clarity, and encouragement, all students can grow, achieve success, and reach their full potential.

Good morning, my name is Florence Samuel! I’ve been teaching for about 8 years and have been working at American High School for 3 years. I teach English as a Second Language and elective courses. As a teacher, I believe that every child has the potential to achieve greatness, provided they are given the right mindset and a supportive environment. My goal is to help students discover their unique potential and build the confidence to make the most of it. That’s why one of my favorite quotes is: “The only limitations you have are the ones you believe in” – Wayne Dyer.

My favorite activities outside of work include cooking, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.

Mr. Philip, a math and science teacher with four years of experience, sparks curiosity through engaging lessons and real-world connections. He encourages students to think critically and solve problems with confidence in their own abilities. With patience and passion, he creates a collaborative atmosphere in the classroom where every student feels motivated to learn and succeed.

Meet Susaye Small, a math teacher.

As an educator, Ms. Small believes that the foundation of learning math lies in the 3Ps: paper, pencil, and practice. In Ms. Small’s view, structure and responsibility are the two most important pillars of education. She believes that the ability to learn is not an innate trait; it can be taught if a student is willing to acquire it. Ms. Small strives to inspire students to dedicate themselves to learning and to shift their attitude toward math from “It’s hard, I give up” to “If I do more problems, I’ll master this concept better.” Ms. Small’s goal is to debunk the myth that mathematics has no application in everyday life and to make students realize that it is the foundation of critical thinking.

Her favorite quote is: “A child without an education is like a bird without wings” – a Tibetan proverb.

I am a professional psychologist and educator with a master’s degree in educational assessment and a Life and Business Coach certification (ICF). I currently work as a Spanish teacher at American High School, where I am involved in both classroom instruction and providing individual support to students. I have extensive experience in international education, teacher training, and the implementation of innovative methodologies such as CLIL and Montessori, with a strong emphasis on student-centered learning rich in meaningful content.

Phillipa has been a math teacher for sixteen years. She is strongly committed to providing every student with the education and training necessary to develop the beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and skills needed to work and live in an increasingly independent and dynamic world. She strives to achieve this goal by building collaborative relationships with all stakeholders to ensure that students’ needs are met. Her early school experiences have shaped her teaching practice. She has experienced firsthand how harmful it is to be pigeonholed and underestimated. That is why she is convinced that every child is capable of learning and that no child should be overlooked. Her favorite quote is: “Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well” (Philip Stanhope).