About the School
A WORLD CLASS EDUCATION AND INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED QUALIFICATIONS
The British International School of Timisoara is the first school with the British International curriculum established in the western part of Romania. This is a cutting-edge project meant to introduce an innovative curriculum, vision and philosophy in the educational field at primary and secondary school levels in this part of Romania.
The British based educational system harmoniously combines a strong and balanced academic curriculum (languages, mathematics, sciences, technology, creative arts, humanities, social sciences, physical education) with extracurricular activities designed to help children develop emotionally, culturally, socially and spiritually.
All teaching is carried out through the medium of the English Language apart from Romanian that is taught as first language. The school employs teachers from the United Kingdom alongside international teachers with relevant experience in similar schools from all over the world. All the teachers recruited locally will attend an intensive and comprehensive training programme, meant to provide them with all the necessary information and tools to enable them to embrace the educational approach promoted within our vision and aims.
Students joining our school are stepping into a world of dreams and opportunities which can grow proportionally with their desire, effort, determination and ambition; they will be able to graduate with a portfolio of achievements recognized by top universities worldwide, including Romania.
British International School of Timisoara achieved the Cambridge International School status and it aims to become an International Baccalaureate World School. It is also a compliance member of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), which is perceived as being the highest distinction for an overseas British curriculum school to achieve.
BIST is currently enrolling students with ages 4 – 16 years old (Reception – Year 11). In most year groups we have two sets per year group and we remain committed to keeping the class size low. The school will develop gradually and will eventually have two sets per year group for all classes. We estimate that we can reach full capacity (600 students) for this location by 2022.
The kids were “knocked for six” yesterday by the Romanian Cricket Federation team that flew in from Bucharest to introduce one of the most prestigious sports to the pupils of years 4, 5 and 6: Cricket.
#BISTcommunity #Cricket #sport #healthylifestyle #healthychildren #cricketromania #cricketprogramme #cricketinschools
Great administration, great teachers, great kids, beautiful weather, so nice to visit your fabulous school. We felt very welcome there.
𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝟔 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Over the past few weeks, Year 6 learned about the circular economy: a system that aims to eliminate waste through products being reused, repaired, or repurposed. Inspired by researching existing environmental products, Year 6 planned, designed, and created inventions of their own, showcasing their work this morning in an exhibition to pupils from Year 5. The children worked incredibly hard, producing television commercials, posters, and other persuasive literature to convince their community of the need for positive change.
e heir of hange.
#BISTcommunity munity on
Why British International School of Timisoara?
- Small class sizes (20 students per class with 1 to 10 teacher student ratio in Primary School) to support personalised learning
- State of the art facilities and resources
- Modern classrooms and special designed areas for specialised subjects
- A safe, happy, caring and friendly environment
- A student centred educational system and a modern teaching approach
- British curriculum functioning under the auspices of Cambridge International Examination from the United Kingdom
- All teaching will be carried out through the medium of English language
- Romanian language will be part of the curriculum for natives and non – natives
- Highly qualified teaching staff (recruited from the UK, internationally and locally)
- International and national accreditations
- High standards of personal development care with a focus on fostering students’ self-confidence
- Highly engaging teaching and learning
- Continuous open communication with parents and an open doors policy
- Ongoing personalised academic and career paths guidance
- Rigorous academic standards
- The unique opportunity of graduating with a portfolio of achievements recognized by top universities worldwide
Head of School Message
I am excited to welcome you to the British International School of Timisoara.
I would like to start by saying that I am happy and proud to be part of the team that has developed in Timisoara, what we like to call, the Foundation on which our children can flourish, the British International School of Timisoara.
Education is the greatest gift we can give our children and is the key to their future and to their very identity. For this reason, we must ensure that what we do in our homes as parents and in our schools as educators is provide our children with the best possible environment to nurture emotional wellbeing and development at all levels.
Our commitment here at BIST is to do our best to ensure that using a British based curriculum and a truly international approach, we provide the best possible experience for our children and members of staff. The school’s welcoming, family atmosphere is grounded in respect, trust, compassion and the ideal of community service.
Education is the key to a successful, purposeful and a happy life and it is one of the main aspects that contribute to building a healthy and a strong society. Strong education can only be built on a foundation that combines fundamental values with rules and regulations that are in place to protect all members of the community and to give everyone equal opportunities for development and progress. In addition to the highest British academic standards, at BIST we want to ensure that all members of our community understand and adhere to our school ethos and values.
One of our long-term aims is to ensure that our children leave our school at graduation as knowledgeable, responsible, independent and happy young adults with a complex, positive and balanced approach towards life and equipped with a set of skills, values and abilities that will enable them to build a successful life and make a valuable contribution to the community they will be in. We also aim to develop students to be independent learners and leaders in the global community.
We want our children to leave our school well aware of their strengths and weaknesses, passions and abilities and we want our children to learn how to live purposeful and meaningful lives.
BIST has a first-rate team in place with solid, experienced and passionate educators, outstanding leadership to provide momentum and guidance, support staff who love what they do and have a real sense of belonging here at BIST.
I invite you to come and visit our school and see outstanding teaching and learning in progress and savour the unique atmosphere that we are so very proud of. I very much hope that you and your family will join us in the future.
Sincerely,
Ciprian TIPLEA
Head of School
School Board
The School Board at The British International School of Timisoara has an important role in setting the educational character and vision for the school.
The Board plans the strategic development of the school, approves the annual budget, capital and investment strategy and procedures that will ensure the best possible education for the children studying at the BIST.
Ovidiu Sandor
PHD, MSc, BSc
Chair of the School Board
Mr Ovidiu Sandor is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Romania. He has a keen desire to bring improvements to the community through his various projects. His main area of activity is in real estate. His modern, multifunctional office centres and residential areas are well known for their innovative flair. As recognition of the quality of his projects and the positive impact in the community, Mr Sandor has won numerous awards, including the EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2019. In addition to his work in the building industry, Mr Sandor is also involved in several civic and community projects. His Art Encounters biennial is well known in the region and has had a significant impact on the Timisoara community and surrounding areas.
As he himself would say, the implementation of top-quality international education, through the opening of the British International School of Timisoara, in the west of Romania is one of his dearest projects. Mr Sandor is the main founder of BIST and the Chair of the School Board. He is actively involved in the strategic development of the school and together with the School Board and the School Leadership Team, he is planning to build one of the best schools in the country and to create a centre of excellence in international education.
Mr Sandor can be contacted via the school office at office@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Sorin Maxim
BA, BSc
School Board Member
Mr Sorin Maxim is a prominent and a very present figure in the community in the west part of Romania. He has been involved in the BIST project since the very start. Mr Maxim offers a huge amount of experience and expertise in terms of managing and overseeing a complex project such as this. Mr Maxim has performed many different roles in the business world including acting as president, consultant, minister of state and even as a lecturer. Mr Sorin’s particular expertise is in legislation and regional development, helping to chart through the complex paperwork and protocols required for the creation of a new school.
Mr Sorin is a passionate believer in the power of education; he has seen the importance of a solid educational grounding in his European wide travels, business associations and committee work. Above all, Mr Maxim is dedicated to bringing a highly successful British style educational institution to Timisoara. He is using all his skills of diplomacy and all his knowledge of regulations and funding to ensure the smooth transition of the school into full operational mode and towards becoming the institution he visualised when he first became involved.
Mr Maxim can be contacted via the school office at office@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Animona Hutu
MSc, BSc
School Board Member
Ms Animona Hutu is a member of the School Board and has a vast experience in the business area locally and also a distinguished sporting career. The CEO of a Romanian company with tradition she has managed to successfully combine her professional career with volunteering work, being the President of the Romanian Federation of Badminton, for 7 years. During this time, she has promoted the implementation of an important project related to sports in the schools, called Shuttle Time. With the support of many teachers and school managers, Animona has managed to implement this project in over 250.
Animona has also been involved in teaching, being a collaborating tutor and teaching management courses organized by a partner company with Open University in the United Kingdom.
With a keen desire to bring her contribution to the development of the new generations, she has decided to join our project as one of the founding members of the school.
Animona strongly believes in the importance of sport, as a tool for shaping the child’s character and ambitions and as a tool for developing positive human relationships, leadership qualities and teamwork.
Ms Hutu can be contacted via the school office at office@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Mr Ciprian Tiplea (Head of School) and Ms Alina Barna (Financial Officer) are also part of the school board and in their roles are actively involved in the strategic development of the school. See their profiles under the school team link.
School Leadership Team
Ciprian D. Țiplea
PGCE, BSc, MEd
Head of School
Ciprian joined our team at an early stage in our project and has been an integral part in preparing the opening of the school. He is originally from Timisoara, where he qualified as a teacher of Mathematics, before leaving the city in 2002. Since then, he has been working in various teaching and management roles in the international British based educational sector. He has had the opportunity to experience life in international schools in Bucharest and the independent school sector in the United Kingdom.
Ciprian has over 12 years’ experience in the leadership and management of international schools and has been the Academic Head in a prestigious international school with a British curriculum in Bucharest, for over 9 years. Over the past five years he has gained a master’s degree in Educational Management and has recently achieved the status of British Schools Overseas Inspector through Cambridge Education Inspectorate.
Contact: headofschool@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Alina Barna
BA, ACCA
Financial Officer
Alina joined our team as a volunteer this during spring 2018 and worked closely with her colleagues on the implementation of this project. She has over 12 years’ experience in financial audit and consultancy, as well as financial reporting.
She has had the opportunity to experience life for a year in both Canada and Germany at the Regensburg University. Alina is also an ACCA member – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in UK.
Contact: office@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Paul Jennings
PGCE, BA
Head of Secondary School / English and Drama
Paul joined the British International School of Timisoara as the Head of Secondary School. He graduated with an Honours Degree in English Literature from Sheffield University and followed this with a Post Graduate Certificate in Education in English and Drama. Paul has extensive experience working at independent schools in the United Kingdom as housemaster, pastoral roles and management roles. He taught in Kent, Hertfordshire and at a rural boarding school in Gloucestershire and, before landing in Romania, he taught in Switzerland.
Paul believes that education is paramount in ensuring a student’s future success: integrity, consistency, respect and a sense of curiosity will be at the heart of BIST’s new generation of life-long learners.
BIST is a new venture and he believes that BIST’s first students have a fantastic opportunity to be participating in this adventure from day one. Hebelieves that they will leave the secondary school in the years ahead not only with excellent examination results but, much more importantly, with a sense of having been on a journey of exploration and discovery.
In his personal life, Paul loves cooking, hiking, cycling, world cinema, reading and supporting Manchester United through thick and thin.
Contact: paul.jennings@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Claire Bithell
PGCE, BA
Head of Primary School
Claire joined our school as a Year 1 teacher in August 2019. She has been a qualified teacher for 29 years. Claire trained and qualified in the United Kingdom and gained the Qualified Teacher Status in 1991. Her teaching career has taken Claire to different schools and scenarios, being an English Co-ordinator, Arts Co-ordinator, Key stage leader, a teacher and also a Co-ordinator of education for children with special needs. In Germany, where she has spent nine years with her family, Claire worked for the Ministry of Defence in Service Children’s Schools and she trained and worked as an Early Years Ofsted Inspector – registering and inspecting childcare provision and nurseries across Germany. With quite a full career within the education sector across three European countries and nearly three decades, Claire will take over a new position in our school as our Head of Primary.
Claire is a proud mother of 4 amazing children. Her two older children are studying in the UK. The eldest has just successfully completed a BA (Hons) and is moving on to a Masters, whilst her son is studying for a degree in the Arts. Her youngest two girls attend BIST, one in Primary, where her husband Mr. Edward Bithell also works, and one in secondary.
As one of the founding team of teachers at BIST, Claire believes whole heartedly that we have an amazing school with great children a strong and diverse team of teachers and a leadership team whose main focus is, has and will continue to be the education of our children. She is excited and looking forward to her new role in the forthcoming academic school year.
Contact: claire.bithell@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Our World Class Teachers
Primary School Teachers
Manuela Constantin
PGCE, BA, EYFS Certificate
Reception Coordinator and Teacher Reception red – new
Manuela joined the British International School of Timisoara as a reception teacher and coordinator. Manuela graduated from university in Bucharest with a bachelor’s degree in geography and has achieved a certificate in Early Years Education (EYFS) from the University of Roehampton, in London. She has been working in the international school sector with a British based curriculum for over twenty years, as an EYFS teacher and member of the management team. Before joining us at BIST, Manuela has been working as the EYFS stage coordinator and reception class teacher in a British international school in Bucharest.
Prior to that, she was part of the management team in one of the first international nurseries with a British based curriculum in Romania. Manuela loves travelling, reading and going to the cinema. She brings along her expertise wrapped in love and ready to nurture all of our young learners.
Contact: manuela.constantin@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Emma Davison
PGCE, TEFL, BA
Year 1 Blue Teacher
Emma Davison is originally from a small village in the North East of England where she attended school up until the age of 18. She then attained her BA (Hons) degree from University of Central Lancashire and then her PGCE from Liverpool University. Her 20+ year teaching career has spanned the continents of Asia and Africa where she has taught in international schools in; Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Uganda and Ethiopia. All of these schools used the EYFS curriculum and adapted it to suit their individual cultural needs. Emma has taught in Nursery, Reception and Year 1 along with having various roles such as Year Leader and Project Manager to develop an Early Years department.
Outside school Emma enjoys travelling with her husband where trips tend to focus on walking in the great outdoors and looking for wildlife in its natural habitat. Emma is very much looking forward to discovering all that Romania and its neighbouring countries have to offer.
Contact: emma.davison@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Simona Marinela Molnar
PGCE, BA
Year 1 Red Teacher
Ms Simona graduated from Middlesex University, London with a Bachelor of Arts honours degree in Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status. She has been working as a primary school teacher in London since the completion of her degree.
Simona has had the opportunity to work with children from different cultures and backgrounds and understands the significance of inclusion within the classroom and the school. She has experience as a Phonics coordinator and is dedicated to offer support to children and parents that are new to the English language. Simona is enthusiastic about working with young children and is committed in helping them achieve the best that they can be. On a personal level, Simona loves travelling, reading, spending time with family and friends.
Contact: simona.molnar@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Jane Mihalache
PGCE, BA
Key Stage 1 Coordinator and Year 2 Red Teacher
Jane joined the British International School of Timisoara as a Year 2 teacher. She graduated from Birmingham Polytechnic with a Bachelor of Arts honours degree in Three Dimensional Design. She then went on to complete a PGCE in art and design at the University of Central England in Birmingham. Jane has 17 years teaching experience, working in Birmingham, London and Manchester in the UK as well as abroad. Before joining BIST, Jane taught at an international British school in Bucharest where she was involved in teaching and management roles.
Over the years, Jane has had the opportunity to develop her passion for holistic education with a strong focus on pastoral care. She has worked on a number of initiatives for example, building global dimensions into the curriculum, organising and running international educational trips, student exchange programmes, community action service, citizenship days, mentoring programmes, organising Model United Nations conferences, school assemblies and shows. Outside teaching, Jane continues to pursue her Interests in holistic living. Her interest in cultural and historical travel continues to influence her own personal creative projects.
Contact: jane.mihalache@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Andreea Lazar
PGCE, BA, MA, TESOL
Year 2 Blue Teacher
Andreea has been teaching primary school students for most of her professional life and is joining our school from the International School on the Rhine, a leading international school in Germany.
Andreea is a fully qualified teacher with experience working in international and state schools from China, Germany, the United States and Romania. She received recognition from both the American and British boards of education. Andreea started her teaching career 15 years ago in the United States and has continued teaching ever since. Her experience covers the international, British and American curricula; she also received certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and Young Learners. She graduated from the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences from the University of Bucharest in 2005. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology.
Andreea is married and has a 10-year-old daughter in Year 6.
Contact: andreea.lazar@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Daniela Ene
PGCE, BA, MA
Year 3 Blue Teacher
Daniela is in her 20th year of teaching and inspiring young minds. Daniela qualified as a primary school teacher after graduating from high school and continued her education by graduating from university with a bachelor’s degrees in Law and Psychology. Following that, she gained a master’s degree in Educational Psychology and School Counselling, in Bucharest.
Daniela has over 19 years of experience in the international school’s sector, having the opportunity to work in both the international British and international American schools’ systems. Over the years, she been able to expand into a multitude of areas in addition to working in the class, such as: after school activities, student mentoring, helping with winter and summer concerts, field trips, themed weeks and assemblies. Daniela has a passion for reading and she is a big promoter of a healthy lifestyle and the growth mindset approach in education and life in general.
Contact: dana.ene@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Alina Zorina
PGCE, BA, MA
Lower Key Stage 2 Coordinator and Year 3 Red Teacher
Alina joined the British International School of Timisoara as a Year 2 teacher. She graduated from university with a degree in Primary Education and has a master’s degree in School Educational Management.
After 3 years of teaching in Ukraine, Alina has spent the past 5 years teaching within the international school sector working in South Korea and Kuwait as a Key Stage 1 Teacher. Alina is IB trained and has TESOL certificate. She brings with her to BIST her passion for education and working with children at young ages, a lot of energy, determination and the joy of being part of building a new educational concept in Timisoara.
Alina loves reading, origami and hiking.
Contact: alina.zorina@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Jennifer Coy
BA(hons), PGCE, BA, MA
Year 4 Blue Teacher
Jenny is from Lincolnshire, United Kingdom and joined the British International School of Timisoara as a Year 4 Teacher. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours degree in Visual Communication from Birmingham City University. After finishing university, Jenny spent a few years working in the environmental sector. She then went on to join the education sector. After completing her PGCE, she taught the British National Curriculum for 4 years in the UK. In the last 4 years, she has taught in Catalonia, Spain and Shanghai, China.
Contact: jennifer.coy@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Benjamin Shorten
MA (hons)
Year 5 Red Teacher
Benjamin joined the British International School of Timisoara as a Year 5 teacher. Benjamin grew up in Mallorca, Spain, where he attended Queen’s College International School. He is a native English and Spanish speaker, who spent five years teaching sports in English to Spanish children.
He studied Primary Education at the University of Dundee, in the United Kingdom and taught in Scotland after receiving his degree.
Benjamin is an enthusiastic rugby and football player, with a passion for physical education and a love of mathematics.
Contact: banjamin.shorten@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Charlotte Banerjee
PGCE, BA
Year 5 Blue Teacher
Charlotte graduated from SOAS, University of London, with a bachelor’s degree in Chinese and Linguistics, for which she studied in London and Beijing. Charlotte completed her PGCE at University of Leicester and taught in a state school there for 2 years, where she was Modern Languages Lead. She then moved to a British international school in Poland and is now looking forward to teaching children at BIST.
Charlotte is a dedicated teacher who is passionate about creating an inclusive learning environment which allows children to embrace different styles of learning. She enjoys being creative in her teaching to plan fun and inspiring lessons. Charlotte has experience of working with children who are new to English and who come from a variety of cultures and backgrounds.
Charlotte enjoys reading, music and spending time outdoors, especially in the mountains. She also loves to travel and to learn about the language and the culture of the places she visits.
Contact: charlotte.banerjee@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Edward Bithell
PGCE, BSc
Upper Key Stage 2 Coordinator and Year 6 Red Teacher
Edward joined the British International School of Timisoara as a Year 6 teacher. He graduated with an Honours Degree in Biology and followed this with a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from Birmingham City University. Edward then spent eleven years teaching in schools both in Birmingham and in Devon, United Kingdom. During this time, he was subject leader for mathematics, science and design technology, as well as Key Stage 2 leader.
Subsequent to this, he was employed as a specialist teacher for a local authority working with children with complex needs who were unable to attend mainstream school. He then moved to teach at international schools within the British military community in Germany, where he has worked successfully for the past nine years. During this time, he has taught across the entire 5-11 age range, and has been subject leader for science and geography. He has also undertaken forest school training and has successfully implemented this at his school. Edward is passionate about using the outdoors to inspire learning with the children he works with.
Contact: edward.bithell@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Anthony Moore
PGCE, BA
Year 6 Blue Teacher
Anthony is from Luton, England. He graduated with an Honours degree in Marketing Management, working within the private sector for several years prior to completing his PGCE in Primary Education. He taught in a Values-Based Education school in Luton for five years, holding different positions of responsibility and teaching in Years 4, 5 and 6. Anthony has subsequently worked in British international schools in Prague and Bucharest. Anthony actively promotes a love of learning, seeking opportunities to make learning fun, relevant and memorable. He is passionate about developing the all-round well-being of every child, working in partnership with his teaching colleagues, parents and learners, to motivate children to be the best that they can be.
Outside of teaching, Anthony enjoys spending time with his family, helping out in the local community, and is a big sports fan. Additionally, Anthony enjoys the great outdoors and is looking forward to exploring more of the beauty that is found in the West of Romania.
Contact: anthony.moore@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Primary School Specialist Teachers
Fabiana Merișanu
PGCE, BA
Teacher of Physical Education
Fabiana joined the British International School of Timisoara as a teacher of Physical Education and Sport. She grew up in Timisoara, the city in which she finished her studies and in which she is still carrying out her professional activity.
After her studies, Fabiana worked in the education system for over 8 years, teaching Physical and Sports Education to pupils of all ages.
At the same time, Fabiana has been teaching swimming and skiing courses and organising sports competitions and skiing camps for her students.
Fabiana loves dancing, all types of sports and travelling. Her optimism and her professionalism make her courses both pleasant and useful. One of her purposes is to inspire the students to live a healthy and joyous life.
Contact: fabiana.merisanu@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Karina Gheorghe
PGCE, BA
Teacher of German Language
Karina graduated from the West University of Timisoara in 2008 with a specialisation in German Language and Literature as the main language and English Language and Literature, as a secondary language. In 2010 she finalised her Master’s degree – German in a European context – Interdisciplinary and multicultural studies. Starting with 2008, she was part of the team of teachers of the German Cultural Centre Timisoara, having the chance to improve and gain more experience in teaching German as a foreign language. As part of the GCC she had the opportunity to participate in internal qualifications on methodological and didactic training, as well as those organised by the Goethe-Institute Bucharest. In addition to the possibility of teaching German as a foreign language, she also worked as an examiner for the German language exams in order to obtain a certificate of linguistic competence organised by the Goethe-Institute within the German Cultural Centre Timisoara.
Starting with 2018, she parted from the German Cultural Centre and continued to teach German independently.
Contact: karina.gheorghe@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Adelina Veturia Leanca
PGCE, BA
Head of Languages (Primary School) and Teacher of Romanian Language
In 1994 Adelina graduated from the “Carmen Sylva” Pedagogical High School in Timișoara, and in 1999, she obtained a degree in philology at the Faculty of Letters, Philosophy and History, within the Western University, Timișoara.
She has 25 years of experience in primary education, years in which she has trained and educated 6 generations of students between the ages of 6 and 11, at the Bănățean National College.
Adelina’s philosophy with the students it seek to cultivate their creativity, to discover and highlight their skills and talents, as well as to apply the education for each one, based on the development of emotional intelligence. Besides the teaching profession, Adelina is a mentor, a good counselor. On a personal level she is passionate about traveling, discovering places and people, and enjoys meeting friends.
She is looking forward to starting work at BIST where she will come with heaps of ambition, creativity, experience and optimism.
Contact: adelina.leanca@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Mădălina Scrob
PGCE, BA, MA
Teacher of English Additional Language
Mădălina joined the British International School of Timisoara as a Teaching Assistant. She obtained her Level 1 Teaching Certificate and her Bachelor’s degree in German and English Language and Literatures at the West University of Timisoara. After graduation, she moved to the United Kingdom to pursue a Master’s degree in Creative Writing at the University of Portsmouth.
Mădălina wishes to learn as much as possible both from her more experienced colleagues, and from the students, so that she will develop her teaching skills.
Mădălina is a volleyball and cycling enthusiast, while she also loves capturing moments in photographs and in writing.
Contact: madalina.scrob@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Corina Sporea
PGCE, BA, MA
Teacher of Romanian Language
Corina is originally from Timisoara and has a Bachelor`s degree in English Language and in History graduating from the Letters, History and Philosophy Faculty within The “West University” of Timisoara in 1997.In addition, she has a Master`s degree in Management and Marketing in Mass-media.
During her over 20 years of teaching experience she taught in some prestigious high schools in Timisoara and in 1999 she achieved the “Definitivat” Degree in the Romanian Education System at “Babes-Bolyai” University from Cluj-Napoca.
Her professional development has been extended by obtaining a Certificate as an Authorized Translator and Interpreter from the Ministry of Justice; also she has participated in a number of ‘perfection’ courses, some in connection with different teaching methods, others on British and American culture and civilisation. She attended the Summer School “Crossing Cultures” organised by the British Council and the training programmes organised by the Fulbright Commission and ‘Education USA’.
She considers that education is a lifelong learning experience and she loves nature, reading and travelling, being a tour guide in her free time, too.
Contact: corina.sporea@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Primary School Teaching Assistants
Teona David
PGCE, BA in progress
Reception Red Teaching Assistant
Teona joins our team as teaching assistant for reception. She graduated the Pedagogical High School “Carmen Sylva” from Timișoara, Philology profile and is currently in her 3rd year studying Psychology at the West University of Timișoara.
Teamwork and collaboration are her strengths and is eager to meet new people and make friends.
Contact: teona.david@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Andra Borod
PGCE, BA
Reception Red Teaching Assistant
Andra Borod joined our team as a Teaching Assistant. She is originally from Resita, but went to university in Timisoara. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from West University of Timisoara. Ever since she was a teenager, she has been looking for her purpose and calling and trusted that one day she will find it. Working with small children, or as she calls them “perfect little people”, is her calling and also her blessing. Being a newly mom herself gave her a better understanding of the role of a teacher from a deeper level of empathy and from a different perspective.
She enjoys spending time with her extended family, taking long walks, the smell of rain and the woods.She also loves listening to music, dogs and drinking coffee.
Contact: andra.borod@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Oana Strîmbeanu
PGCE,BA, MA
Year 1 Red Teaching Assistant
Oana graduated Faculty of Psychology and Sociology, specializing in pedagogy from the West University of Timisoara, master’s degree in Integrated Education and Psycho-pedagogical Counseling.
Oana started her career in private preschool 8 years ago at an international school and has worked with children between the ages of 3 and 6.
From her experience with children she has learned that all are good, smart, but different, so that teachers should adapt to children and not vice versa.
She considers empathy, the affection and the smile of the teacher to be essential in early education and beyond.
On a personal level she likes to spend time with her family, friends, reading and travelling.
Contact: oana.strimbeanu@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Romina Guran
PGCE, BA
Year 1 Blue Teaching Assistant
Romina graduated from the Faculty of Applied Modern Languages in 2006. Because she likes to work with children, she also followed the second specialization as a Professor in Pre-school Education at the University of Vasile Goldis in Arad, where she graduated in 2013 from the Faculty of Sciences of Education. In the same year she signed up for the master studies at Aurel Vlaicu University in Arad, specializing in Early Education Pedagogy and Small Schooling.
From 2007 until the summer of 2019 she worked in the kindergarten Primii Pasi in Timișoara as a teacher in pre-school education. She loved working with children and felt that it was so nice to have theopportunity to assist with their development. The motto which guided her and still guides her is the following: “Teach the child the path to follow, and when he grows up, he will not deviate from it.”
In her free time she likes to read, to visit new places, to make decorations using the watermark technique and to participate in social and swimming dance courses.
Contact: romina.guran@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Ștefania Negrea
PGCE, BA, in progress
Year 2 Red Teaching Assistant
Ștefania graduated in 2018 with an Interior Design Diploma. And now she studies Ceramic Design. Also she attended the Pedagogical Training Course. Then she realised how much she likes to work with the little ones.
During university she participated in various volunteer programmes where she engaged in a variety of artistic activities with children.
She is passionate about art and beauty. In her spare time she attends dance and yoga classes.
Contact: stefan.negrea@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Alexandra Recășan
BA, MA
Year 2 Blue Teaching Assistant
After spending over 10 years inside the Communication and Advertising industry, Alexandra decided for a career revamp, driven by her passion for education. She is joining our team as a Teaching Assistant.
Alexandra holds a Bachelor Degree in Advertising and Public Relations. Along her career experience Alexandra acquired a generous know-how on creativity and lateral thinking. She is currently attending a training on Outward Mindset in Education held by Arbinger Institute.
She is also involved in voluntary work in the education field, periodically organising workshops for children on social, emotional and moral development.
She heartily believes in the power of the positive relationship between student and teacher to inspire the love for lifelong learning.
Contact: alexandra.recasan@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Elena Sellei
PGCE, BA, MA
Year 3 Blue Teaching Assistant
Elena Sellei joined the British International School of Timisoara as a Teaching Assistant. She graduated from the West University of Timisoara with a bachelor’s degree in Philology and a master’s degree in American Studies.
Elena started as a kindergarten teacher, working with children ranging from three to six years old. Then, for the past two years, she worked as a teacher of English for the primary school classes. She likes to encourage, motivate, and help children in the process of developing their own skills, as well as showing them that learning is fun, especially when you really love what you do.
In her personal life, Elena loves reading, cooking and spending time with her family.
Contact: elena.sellei@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Daiana Popan
BA & PGCE in progress
Year 3 Red Teaching Assistant
Daiana joined the British International School of Timisoara as a Teaching Assistant. She graduated from the University of the West of Timisoara, obtaining the bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, specializing in Commerce, Tourism and Services Economics.
Passionate about sports, since the 8th grade, she has specialized in handball and is currently a player at the University Sports Club in Timisoara.
She likes photography and spends her free time in nature, travelling, and participating in charitable events (in 2018 she ran a distance of 6 km to Herneacova for sick children, obtaining 2nd place).
Contact: daiana.popan@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Adriana Dragne
BA, MA
Year 4 Red Teaching Assistant
Adriana joined BIST as a teaching assistant to year 3. Adriana has lived most of her life in Bucharest where she qualified as psychotherapist. She has worked in an international school in Bucharest and brings a wealth of experience to her new role at BIST.
Adriana is looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead and hopes to develop her role at the school. She believes that listening to students and having good qualities of empathy will get the best out of the students under her guidance.
Adriana believes that our children are the key to a successful future and if we can produce flourishing, happy and curious students then this is a good sign for our future.
Contact: adriana.dragne@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Carla Preda
PGCE, BA
Year 5 Red Teaching Assistant
Carla Preda joined the British International School of Timisoara as Teaching Assistant for year 6.
With Bachelor`s degree both in Law and Management, Carla also has extensive experience as a public speaker and counsellor in international and national conferences on different topics: leadership and ethics, human trafficking. Carla uses every opportunity to help others and is often volunteering and working for charitable causes.
Her effervescent personality and sociable nature enables her to captivate and easily communicate with both adults and children. Her favourite motto is: Help other and expect nothing in return.
Contact: carla.preda@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Violeta Stefan
PGCE, BA
Year 5 Red Teaching Assistant
Violeta Stefan joined British International School of Timisoara as a Teaching Assistant. She has a bachelor’s degree in Science of Communication and while working in marketing and PR field she started volunteering in workshops for experiential learning. Her drive and passion for education and lifelong learning made her begin a career in the education field.
Contact: violeta.stefan@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Octaviana Darie
PGCE, BA, MA
Year 6 Red Teaching Assistant
Octaviana has spent her college years working with children and teens while studying Languages and Literature at the West University of Timisoara’s Faculty of Literacy.
She is passionate about education, especially discovering different approaches to learning foreign languages. Most of her free time is dedicated to volunteering and personal development.
Contact: octaviana.darie@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Victoria Rusu
BA, MA
Year 6 Blue Teaching Assistant
She is born and raised in Timisoara and studied Theatre at the Faculty of Music & Theatre from Timisoara, but she also has a diploma in Pedagogy. For the past 10 years she has been an actress at The National Theatre of Timisoara & Merlin Theatre for Children and Youth – Timisoara.
During drama workshops and after school classes with children of all ages, she discovered how much she enjoys working for and with children.
She is curious and enthusiastic and is eager to learn new things everyday and also share from her experience.She describes herself as being friendly, has positive attitude and is always looking for solutions.
Her passions include art, dancing, sports, nature and psychology.
Contact: victoria.rusu@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Secondary School Teachers
Diana Stănică
PGCE, BSc, MA
Head of Mathematics/ICT and Teacher of Mathematics
Diana joined the British International School of Timisoara as a mathematics and computer science teacher in the secondary school. Diana graduated with a Degree in Mathematics and Computing Science from the West University of Timisoara. After graduation she spent four years teaching mathematics in secondary schools in Romania and then decided to try the British school system.
Diana moved to England to teach mathematics to secondary school students in a multicultural school in Dagenham. For the past five years Diana has been working within the British school sector, teaching children from 11 to 16 years old. She has experience with preparing students for the IGCSE exams and has been successful in assuring very good exam results for her students.
Diana is passionate about reading, logical games and gardening.
Contact: diana.stanica@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Milica Ergic
PGCE, BA, MA
Head of Humanities and Teacher of Humanities/History
Milica graduated from the University of Philology, Department of English Language and Literature and earned her master’s degree from the University of Belgrade. During her studies, she was involved in teaching at primary and secondary schools as a part of her education courses and that’s when she discovered her passion for teaching.
Before joining our school, Milica spent the last five years teaching in the international school sector in Malta where she has gained experience in working within the international curriculum. She has worked with secondary school students teaching geography, history, literature and technology.
Milica enjoys delivering lessons that are creative, dynamic and she thinks it is important to give students freedom to express themselves.
Contact: milica.ergic@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Silviu Năstase
PGCE, BSc, MA, PHD
Head of Sciences, Cambridge Examination Officer and Teacher of Science
Silviu joined the British International School of Timisoara as a teacher of science with responsibilities in the areas of examination and timetabling. Before coming to our school, he worked for an international British school in Bucharest where he taught science at Key Stages 3,4 & 5 and held the positions of timetable officer and examination officer, respectively.
He has obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Chemistry at the University of Bucharest and he continued his PhD studies at the same institution. As a researcher at both University of Bucharest and Politehnica University of Bucharest, he has published numerous scientific articles in international journals, has been involved in several international projects along with receiving grants to study abroad at the Universität Karlsruhe (Germany), the University of Manchester (UK), and the University of Pavia (Italy).
Silviu loves reading and enjoys cycling and one of his major passion is photography.
Contact: silviu.nastase@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Joanne Gogelescu
PGCE, BA, MA, NPQH
Teacher of English, Humanities and Geography
Joanne is originally from the United Kingdom. She grew up in Nottinghamshire, but has also lived and worked in Romania, Australia, Nigeria, Kenya and the Netherlands. Joanne obtained her bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies and later obtained a Post Graduate Certificate and a master’s degree in Education from the University of Nottingham.
Joanne’s first experience of teaching was in Cluj-Napoca where she met her Romanian husband. Before coming to the British International School of Timisoara, Joanne held many different responsibility posts in the United Kingdom and internationally and taught a range of age groups.
Joanne is passionate about pedagogy and likes to inspire students to develop their thinking skills and creativity and encouraging students to think about how they can contribute to their local and global communities through service.
Contact: joanne.gogelescu@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Cornelia David
PGCE, BSc, MA
Teacher of Science
Cornelia is joining BIST coming from another International British school in Bucharest. Cornelia obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Biology at the University of Cluj-Napoca, in both teaching and experimental research. Her first international project was an inter-university grant studying the genetic impact of the industrial pollutants on Tisa river ecosystem, coordinated by a Canadian Professor. In 2017, she obtained her teaching certificate in the Romanian National Education System, as well as the TKT CLIL Certificate, on teaching other subjects than English for students with English as a second language, within British Council, Bucharest.
Along over 20 years of career, Cornelia was part of the management team, as a Teachers’ Trainer, to create a Swiss-Romanian Institute in Deva. She also took postgraduate trainings at the University of Sibiu on using ICT, inquiry project based learning and interdisciplinary approaches in science, in both curricular and after-school learning activities. As a member of Natura 2000 and the Society of Volunteers, Cornelia engaged herself and her students in national and international competitions, with great results.
Cornelia considers herself a life-long learner and is looking forward to seed into the heart of children her passion for science, critical thinking abilities and a global perspective on living in accordance with the nature.
Personally, Cornelia’s hobbies are languages, drawing, reading and creative writing, but she also loves cooking, biking and outdoor escapes.
Contact: cornelia.david@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Kristina Danciu
PGCE, BA, MA
Teacher of English and EAL
Kristina was born and raised in New York City, in the United States of America where she finished high school.
She graduated from the West University of Timisoara receiving a Bachelor’s degree in English and Serbian Language and Literature. Kristina has also obtained her Master’s degree from the West University of Timisoara in Theory and Practice of Translations (Romanian-English). In addition, she has also completed a certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and a certificate in Teaching English to Young Learners.
Before joining BIST, Kristina has worked with children from 3-13 years old teaching English as a second language.
Kristina loves reading, spending time outdoors, art, and watching movies. She enjoys producing lessons that are thought-provoking and creative.
Contact: kristina.danciu@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Jaafer El
PGCE, BA, MA
Teacher of Computer Science and Business Studies
Jaafer joined the British International School of Timisoara as a teacher of Computer Science. He is from London where he graduated with an honour in Computer Science and then PGCE and followed an MSc in Computer Systems. Before teaching, Jaafer worked in the British army for the training branch in Germany then joined the Metropolitan Police as a part time Police Officer. Jaafer worked in London in a mainstream school as a Curriculum Leader and then a College in North London before moving to the Channel Islands where he spent three years teaching at a University College.
He enjoys spending his time developing software application and traveling.
Contact: jaafer.el@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Raluca Bembe
PGCE, BA, MA, PHD
Head of Languages (Secondary School) and Teacher of Romanian
Raluca joined our team as a teacher of Romanian language and literature. She graduated from the Romanian language and literature section of English language and literature, at the Western University of Timișoara and is a doctor of philology at the same university. Raluca is interested in the multicultural environment, otherwise, during her doctorate, she benefited from a scholarship at the University of Vienna and participated in various summer schools abroad with a multicultural theme.
Throughout the course, Raluca had the opportunity to work with students of all ages: with preschoolers, teaching English at different kindergartens, she taught Romanian in secondary schools and high schools, and in the university environment, Romanian as a foreign language.
Raluca is passionate about theatre and is ready to introduce students to local cultural events.
Contact: raluca.bembe@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Diana Crepcia
PGCE, BA, MA
Teacher of German
Graduaded the West University from Timisoara with a degree in German and English language and literature in 2004. In 2006 took the master degree in german language. Between 2004 and 2010 she worked as a german teacher for primary and secondary school students in Romania.
In 2010 she founded a private german language centre in Timisoara, which provides german language courses for children and adults and has worked there as manager and german teacher ever since. She is passionate about swimming, reading and german language. She joined the BIST school in November 2019.
Contact: diana.crepcia@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Alina Iozefina Manea
BA, MA
Teacher of French
Alina Iozefina Manea is joining the British International School of Timișoara as a French teacher. She graduated from the West University of Timișoara with a Bachelor’s degree in French philology and she studied for a Master’s degree in cultural policy and project management. She has worked in both state and private education teaching French and Romanian to middle and high school students but also to Romanian and foreign adults.
She believes that in life we constantly learn, both students and teachers, and in everything she does she relies on mutual respect, creative thinking, exploration and involvement.
Contact: alina.manea@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Adriana Mocuța
PGCE, BA, MA
Teacher of Art
Adriana is from Deva, Romania. She graduated from the Faculty of Art and Postgraduate Studies, Graphics section in Timisoara, within the UVT. She joined the BIST team as an art teacher for years 7.8 and 9.
In the last 8 years he has taught arts as an optional subject in kindergartens, after school, state schools and private clubs for children. She worked with children between the ages of 3 and 14 years. She also held art workshops in children’s camps.
She firmly believes that any child can create when he/she feels free and confident.
Her passions are children, art and interior design.
Contact: adriana.mocuta@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Cosmin Cioriciu
PGCE, BA
Teacher of Physical Education
Cosmin joined the British International School of Timisoara as a teacher of physical education and sports. Graduate of the Western University of Timisoara, the specialization of physical education, the promotion of 2000, has worked in the last years in education teaching in all age categories.
After a 6-year collaboration with the Romanian Rugby Federation, as coach of the national junior teams, he will base his teaching on the values of the rugby game: respect, integrity, discipline, passion and solidarity.
Contact: cosmin.cioriciu@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Liliana Lazăr
PGCE, BA, MA
School Counselor
Liliana Lazar joined our team as a psychologist, a profession that she has gained by graduating from the Sociology and Psychology Faculty, at the Western University of Timisoara, in 2007, with a bachelor degree in Psychology. Since 2012 she has worked as a psychoterapist, specialized in Systemic Family Therapy. From this perspective she describes herself as a passionate therapist about relationships.
While working with children, she developed the programme “Looking for Wishes, finding Needs”, for preschoolers and young pupils. As for teenagers, she is developing a program called “From the multitude of questions, dreams are born”, designed to facilitate the encounter with yourself and others.
What Liliana brings at BIST is competence and kindness in exploring, respecting and validating the encounter of the person with oneself and also with other selves; values that she had reinforced through training.
Contact: liliana.lazar@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Administrative non-academic staff
Lia Corlan
BA, MA
Admission Officer
Lia joined our team as Admissions Officer. With 7 years of experience in marketing and public relations. She is mainly responsible for the admission process of students in our school.
She is a communicative person, often involved in charity and voluntary work. Originally from Timisoara, Lia holds a Bachelor Degree in Public Relations and Communications and a Master’s Degree in European Studies.
Contact: admissions@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Luminita Munteanu
BBA, MA
PR, Events coordinator & PA for SLT
Luminita joined our team as Personal Assistant for the School Leadership Team and currently is also handling the PR and running school events. She is really fond of the British Educational System as she got to experience it since Primary School. Four years in a row, she took part in the student exchange programme organised between Vasile Alecsandri Highschool and Bishop`s Strotford College in UK.
Originally from Iasi, she moved to Timisoara ten years ago and is now established here. She has a vast experience in sales, marketing and customer care, achieved in different lines of work: hospitality, advertising and online market research. Luminita has a Bachelor`s Degree in European Studies and International Relations and a Master`s Degree in The Management and Marketing of the Organization from Romanian-American University in Bucharest.
On a personal level, her passion is dancing and wishes to inspire as many people to practice this form of communication and self-awareness.
Contact: luminita.munteanu@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Elena Bălgrădean
Admin Support
Elena joined our team as administrative support. During her studies she was a member of an NGO for 5 years and 2 years in its management, being largely responsible for the administration and human resources of the organization.
In recent years she has worked in an international company teaching English online.
Elena is a sociable person who likes to read, visit new countries and spend her free time in nature with her family or friends.
Contact: elena.balgradean@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Alina Bali
BA
IT System Engineer
Alina joined the BIST team in 2019 as the IT System Engineer. She graduated from the Faculty of Informatics and Computer Science and is very passionate about technology.
She enjoys spending her free time in nature with friends and family. Riding the bike or fishing are two of the activities she usually does with her two year old son.
Contact: alina.bali@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Alin Jerca
BE
Facility Monitor
Alin joined our team as Facility Monitor. He worked for 9 years as a veterinary technician/engineer and in the pharmacy sector for 5 years, later in thefield of selection, respectively research/genetics. During this period he participated for 6 months in an exchange of experience in Germany.
In the last 12 years he had been in the military service in the human resources at the “Banat” Emergency Situations Inspectorate of Timis County.
Currently he is also involved in the Solidarity without Borders Association and International Police Association.
Contact: alin.jerca@britishschool-timisoara.ro
Andreea Hepeș
School Nurse
Andreea Hepeș joined our team as School Nurse. She is originally from Timisoara, where she attended the courses of the Post-secondary Health School becoming a general medical assistant in 2002.
Over the years she has been a nurse in the family medicine and cardiology practice. Before joining the BIST team she worked for three years in a kindergarten and International Primary School in Timisoara.
She is a communicative person, cheerful, loves children and spending time with her family.
Contact: andreea.hepes@britishschool-timisoara.ro