DR LANA BELIC
EDUCA'S FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL
EDUCA’s unique DNA emerged from a long-held belief that every child deserves a chance to shine. The school is the brainchild of Dr Lana Belić – an education leader of rare calibre, credibility and enthusiasm – a visionary who reimagines what learning can be and how young minds can truly thrive.
Her academic journey reflects an unwavering dedication to understanding the art and science of learning, beginning with an MA in Educational and Social Research at the world’s #1 ranked Institute of Education, UCL (UK), followed by a PhD in International Education at the University of Leicester (UK). This foundation of rigorous scholarship has been enriched through professional specialisation at the University of Cambridge (UK), professional development at the University of Oxford (UK) and leadership development at Harvard University (USA).
Known for her warmth, intellectual depth and unwavering dedication to children, Dr Belić brings together this global expertise and heartfelt purpose to create learning environments where curiosity glows, confidence grows and brilliance is nurtured. As the founder and principal of EDUCA Finnish International Kindergarten & School, she has built more than a school – she has shaped a living learning community where children are encouraged to wonder, think deeply and discover their strengths.
Neuroeducation is where the science of how the brain learns meets the art of teaching – transforming classrooms into spaces where understanding how children's minds develop helps us nurture their natural curiosity, joy and brilliance.
NEUROEDUCATION – WHERE BRAIN SCIENCE MEETS LEARNING JOY
Dr Belić’s academic journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding how children learn best. Her background bridges language research, creative teaching and international education, culminating in doctoral work exploring learning, identity and cognition. She has developed strong expertise in neuroeducation, translating insights from brain science into meaningful classroom practice. Her work focuses on attention, memory, motivation and emotional safety – guiding schools to design learning environments aligned with how the brain develops and how children naturally explore, connect and grow. This science-informed approach transforms teaching from guesswork into precision, creating spaces where wellbeing and learning flow together in harmony.
CAMBRIDGE – GLOBAL PEDAGOGY AND FUTURE LEARNING
Dr Belić serves as a Cambridge Network Ambassador and Cambridge Programme Leader, supporting international schools in strengthening teaching quality, leadership and professional learning. Her work empowers educators to uphold excellence while keeping children’s wellbeing at the heart of practice. She is also recognised for her contributions to digital education and innovation, exploring ethical, purposeful and human-centred uses of technology. Rather than chasing trends, she designs future-ready learning ecosystems that nurture creativity, critical thinking and responsible digital citizenship – ensuring innovation serves learners, not the other way around. Her approach bridges global standards with deeply child-centred teaching.
EDUCA is a place where children
create
explore
thrive
care
bloom
shine
create
explore
thrive
care
bloom
shine
PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE – LOCAL WISDOM AND GLOBAL IMPACT
Guided by her belief in education as a force for transformation, Dr Belić has contributed to system-level change through professional consultancies with the European Union, Council of Europe, UNICEF and OSCE. Her work supports policy development, digital education strategies and sustainable reform across diverse contexts. She has also collaborated on strategic initiatives with Cambridge International, Teach For All, New Nordic Schools and Link Educational Alliance, contributing to innovation, research, school concepts and teacher development. Across these partnerships, she connects vision with practice – turning ambitious ideas into tangible impact that strengthens schools and expands opportunity. Her influence reaches from classroom practice to international policy.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP – EMPOWERING AND ENTHUSING
Dr Belić shapes global discourse about education as a speaker at the World Education Summit and a member of the International Teachers Academy Advisory Board. Her thought leadership centres on neuroeducation, wellbeing-driven learning, teacher empowerment, pedagogical innovation and purposeful use of technology. She contributes to international professional community through research and publications, which are driven by her authentic niche in neuroeducation, teacher leadership and creative teaching. Dr Belić’s impact has been recognised through international and national honours and accolades, including Global Teacher of the Year finalist, John Crawford Scholarship recipient, Innovative Programme nominee and Svetosavska Award nominee.
FROM TEACHER TO INNOVATOR,
FROM VISION TO IMPACT
Dr Belić’s educational philosophy has grown out of over 20 years of experience as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, principal and school founder. Across classrooms, leadership roles and international systems, one belief has remained constant – that every child deserves thoughtful teaching, high expectations, selfless care and the freedom to shine. At EDUCA Finnish International Kindergarten & School, this philosophy comes to life through a distinctive model inspired by Finnish pedagogy, international standards and deep wellbeing practices. Blending the world’s best pedagogy with neuroeducation and green campus, EDUCA has created a unique model for wellbeing-grounded academic success. Learning is designed to spark wonder, encourage independence and nurture brilliant minds in an atmosphere of trust and belonging. For Dr Belić, education is not about compliance or performance alone – it is about shaping confident, compassionate, curious young people who thrive academically while growing in character.
Educa is part of Education for Serbia Foundation,
a non-profit organisation.
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PRIVACY POLICY
Open