Edda Rósa Gunnarsdóttir – interview

Edda Rósa Gunnarsdóttir, a master's student in the Department of Art Education, is pursuing an additional diploma in educational studies.

She is on a one-year study program for teaching qualifications, which is for people with a master's degree in subjects other than arts, while Edda Rósa has a BA in education and educational science and an MA in parenting education and parenting counseling, and completed her studies in June 2024.

"I have two boys born in 1997 and 1999 with my Scottish husband, I have lived in Scotland and got to know their culture," says Edda Rósa, who has also worked at Hjallastenfún since 2002 in both preschool and elementary schools in various roles. "I have been in charge of the after-school activities and everything that concerns children and parents."

But what made her choose the art education department?

"My friend Sif Gunnsteinsdóttir went to the art education department a few years ago and was always doing such fun things with fun people. I thought then that if I was ever going to take a teaching license course, it would be at LHÍ," says Edda Rósa, who is happy with her choice.

"Excellent learning, fun approach to teaching, interesting and talented fellow students who come from all walks of life, knowledgeable and unconventional teachers with explosive energy and passion. There is some magic that artists possess."

When Edda Rósa is asked what lies ahead for her, there are no answers.

"Surviving being in 100% study with 100% work without getting a stomach ulcer. Enjoying the moments in study and work. Enjoying being a grandmother. Enjoying being a mother to young adults. Enjoying that the day is getting longer. In other words, ENJOYING," says Edda Rósa, who believes that it is important to take good care of her health and well-being.

"I'm going to enjoy my studies as much as I can, with my fellow students and teachers, and being in the present. After graduating, I will have a teaching license and credentials that no one can argue with me about and no one can infringe on my rights."

Edda Rósa wants to support and work more with parents and is trying to find a way to do this with the school she works at, after completing her studies.

"The dream is to have a lot of flexibility and create my own working hours. If I could mix part of teaching with the youngest level, I love teaching my 8-9 year old girls right now, part with parents and then there always has to be room to create something I don't know what is."

"I am so happy that LHÍ opened the teaching license program at LHÍ to people other than artists, and I am also so happy that the tuition fees are the same as at the University of Iceland, and therefore not a barrier to studying. I would like to thank you for your collaboration with fellow students and teachers. Keep creating and thinking, you wonderful creative people!"