MEET THE TEAM
Angela Best
Director and Founder of Tours for Teachers
Angela has a passion for education and travel, which led her to establish Tours for Teachers in 2019. With 22 years of diverse teaching experience, Angela has embraced roles such as Primary Classroom Teacher, Early Childhood Teacher, Librarian, and Literacy and Numeracy Support Specialist.
In 2017, Angela expanded her expertise by completing a Certificate III in Travel and Tourism and launching a home-based travel agency, Best Travel and Tours. Her curiosity about the Finnish Education System inspired her to plan a study tour to Finland to learn more. When she advertised her first group tour to Finland in 2019, it sold out within weeks, highlighting the high demand and interest in such educational travel experiences.
Since then, Angela has continued to offer study tours to Finland. Due to the popularity and success of her tours, she now offers tours to New York, London, Uganda, and Ontario. Angela’s tours range from high-level professional development experiences to fun, tax-deductible trips where participants can meet new friends and travel with like-minded colleagues.
Angela delights in meeting new people on these tours and witnessing the formation of lasting friendships. Her meticulous attention to detail ensures that every aspect of the travel experience is carefully planned, allowing participants to relax and fully enjoy their journey. Angela’s dedication to providing enriching and well-organised travel experiences has made Tours for Teachers a beloved venture. She looks forward to welcoming more educators on her tours, fostering a community of learning and exploration.
Christine Vlassopoulos
Tour Leader
Christine brings a wealth of experience and passion to our team, combining an extensive ten-year background in Educational Leadership with a rich travel history, particularly her love for Finland. As a Wellbeing Leader in a primary school, Christine has spearheaded numerous partnership projects, with a special focus on wellbeing for learning and Aboriginal Education.
Christine is enthusiastic about sharing the wonders of the Finnish education system with you, diving into its innovative practices and cultural treasures. She looks forward to introducing you to her favourite Finnish experience—the sauna!
Jessica Matthews
Tour Leader
Jess has been a teacher for over 15 years, implementing and running the Duke of Edinburgh programme at her former school, Xavier College and leading student expeditions through World Challenge to Nepal, India and Ecuador. She has been an avid traveller since a young age, travelling to over 35 countries, and counting!
If she were to describe herself in 3 words they would be Adventurous, friendly and empathetic.
She met her partner whilst travelling in Uganda, and lived there for 3 years. She often returns with her family and now runs tours there so other people can experience the magic of the ‘Pearl of Africa’ in a safe, fun and immersive way!
Georgia Charlton
Administrative Manager
Georgia is our seasoned travel expert, bringing over a decade of industry experience and a Diploma in Travel to our team. With a passion for exploring the world and a talent for sweating the small stuff, Georgia crafts our itineraries and organises all the logistics. Her travels through India, Vietnam, Europe, the USA, South America, Egypt, New Zealand, Cambodia, and China have given her a deep understanding of different cultures and adventure hotspots. Georgia’s skill for planning means every part of our journey is smooth sailing, promising an unforgettable trip. She’s all about those little details that make a big difference, ensuring everything runs like clockwork. So kick back, relax, and let Georgia handle the logistics.