Teacher Finds Life and Love on Herakleia Island

Ioanna Panta, a special education teacher, was stationed on Herakleia Island 10 years ago as a substitute and decided to stay permanently. Today, she teaches a single student at the island's elementary school.

She initially went to Herakleia to collect "points", but soon fell in love with the island's tranquility and people. She met her partner, a resident of Herakleia, and they started a family with three children.

Ms. Panta mentions that it was initially difficult to teach four grades simultaneously and perform principal duties. However, she appreciates the freedom and safety the island offers her children. She admits that there are limited activities and transportation difficulties, but believes her experience on Herakleia is "worth it."

The supervisor of Primary Education Quality for the Cyclades, Stavros Papadopoulos, stated that Ioanna and her student, Sofia, can work and collaborate daily, participate in educational programs, and cultivate real knowledge.

Herakleia has about 80 residents in the winter and up to 1,000 in the summer. Ms. Panta points out that the island has not been overdeveloped for tourism, which she considers a positive thing.