Our Teachers
Mësuesit e Shkollës Besa
Blerina Omari
Director
Blerina Omari serves as the director of the Albanian school in Boston, where she has been engaged in various capacities, initially as a teacher and coordinator/director, since its inception. Blerina has pursued both undergraduate and postgraduate education in financial mathematics and teaching. Presently, Blerina specializes in Healthcare Economics focusing particularly on health plans. Residing in Boston since 1992, her commitment to supporting the community and fostering the transmission of Albanian language knowledge to the next generation are pivotal motivations driving her involvement in the school.
Bashkim Braho
Bashkimi Dance
Professor Bashkim Braho danced professionally at the Theater of Opera and Ballet in Tirana, Albania, for twenty-six years. In addition, he worked as a dance instructor/choreographer at Jordan Misja, the premier dance school in Albania. Once he moved to Boston, he established Bashkimi Dance, which has now been in existence for over 20 years. He is now the artistic director of Bashkimi Dance.
Valbona Nikolla
Teacher in Quincy
Valbona earned her Bachelor’s degree in Literature and Albanian Language at the University of Eqerem Çabej in Gjirokaster. She served as a teacher in Tirana for several years. She has also worked as a literary editor. Currently she serves as a paraeducator in Quincy Public Schools. She has been teaching the Albanian language at the Albanian school ‘Besa’ in Quincy since September 2022.
Irma Hasko Fani
Teacher in Quincy
Irma was born in Elbasan, Albania. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in History and Geography and in Social studies. She has over 7 years of teaching experience in Albania. She also possesses hotel management experience of over 3 years. She has been teaching at the Albanian school ‘Besa’ in Quincy since September of 2023.
Valioda Cacollari
Teacher in Worcester
Valioda holds a Bachelor's Degree in Albanian Language and Literature, complemented by a Master of Science in Teaching Albanian Language and Literature, both earned from the esteemed University of Vlore "Ismail Qemali". Her professional journey has led her to specialize in working with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, assuming the role of a dedicated Behavioral Therapist. In this capacity, she meticulously crafts materials tailored to suit the needs of social groups and adeptly leads a pre-teen cohort with autism spectrum disorder. Her commitment extends further as she proudly serves as a teacher at the Albanian School, Worcester, where she infuses her work with genuine love and unwavering passion. Moreover, she is honored to have been involved with Mass Besa since the inception of the Albanian school “Besa’ in Worcester, contributing to its growth and development with enthusiasm and dedication.
Eriselda Metiu
Teacher in Worcester
Eriselda received her Bachelor’s in Elementary School Education in Albania in 2010. She also earned her Master in Administration in Education in Albania. Eriselda has worked as a teacher for 4 years in Albania. She has worked at Worcester Public Schools since 2016. For the past 7 years she has worked at Tatnuck Magnet School. Eriselda has been teaching at the Albanian School “Besa” in Worcester since September of 2023. It’s her pleasure to work with students!
Shpresa Hoxhaj
Was born in Fier and grew up in Vlorë, Albania. She earned her Bachelor’s degree at Ismail Qemali University of Vlorë and went on to complete her Master’s degree in 2014. Licensed in Primary Education, Shpresa brings over 15 years of teaching experience, including eight years at Rilindja School in Vlorë.
For the past three years, she has been living in Massachusetts, where she is excited and proud to share her knowledge and passion for teaching the beautiful Albanian language with the community.
Ermira Lacka
Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Primary Education from Alexander Xhuvani University in Elbasan. She spent 20 years teaching in Berat, Albania, before continuing her career in the United States, where she now works as a paraeducator in Quincy Public Schools.
Since September 2023, she has also been part of the teaching staff at the Albanian School Besa in Braintree. Ermira is passionate about education and finds great joy in working with children, helping them learn and grow.