Meet Our Teachers

Victoria Smith

Victoria Smith joined the British School of Bucharest in 2015 as Head of Primary School. She acquired her PGCE and MA in International Education from the University of Sunderland in England and was awarded the National Professional Qualification in Executive Leadership (NPQEL) from the UK Department for Education.

She holds additional degrees in Spanish and Political Science. Following her passion for professional development and school improvement, Victoria is an accredited facilitator of the COBIS leadership training programmes, including CPAH (The COBIS Programme for Aspiring Heads) and CPML (COBIS Programme for Middle Leaders). These courses are delivered to delegates from around the world.
She is also qualified as a ‘Lead Improvement Partner’, helping other international schools obtain COBIS accreditation. Victoria has over 20 years of experience working with children in schools. Before becoming a Teacher and senior leader, her background was in social services and Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Dan Batson

Dan Batson joined the British School of Bucharest in 2014 and is currently the Director of Academic Studies in Primary, as well as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead for whole school.

Dan has a BA in Education from Wolverhampton University, a MA with distinction from Liverpool Hope University, and an NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship). He started his teaching career in Birmingham in 1998, working mainly in Key Stage 2 within the British Curriculum. In 2005, he joined a highly respected international British school in Abu Dhabi, where he worked as Assistant Headteacher. At BSB, he oversees all curriculum, assessment and reporting matters within Primary and has led many whole-school teaching and learning initiatives. Dan has also worked hard to incorporate technology effectively within our classrooms and beyond.

Laura Gildea

Laura is the Director of Pastoral Care and Inclusion, having joined the British School of Bucharest in 2017. Prior to this, she held the position of Director of Key Stage 2 at BSB.

She worked as an EAL (English as an Additional Language) teacher before moving to London to complete her PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) in Primary Education and then teaching in London for several years. Before joining our school, Laura gained experience in teaching the British Curriculum in an international setting with the British School of Beijing, where she taught in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

Carl Helps

Carl joined the British School of Bucharest in 2019 as a Primary Teacher in Year 6, coordinating Maths across the Primary School. After three years he returned to the UK as a Phase Lead and Head of Maths, before rejoining BSB in 2023. From 2025 he is the Director of Key Stage 2.

Carl graduated from Liverpool Hope University in 2009 and later completed his PGCE at Keele University in 2013. He taught in the UK education system for four years before embarking on an international teaching career. Prior to working at BSB he taught at the International Community School in Amman, Jordan, as a Year 6 Teacher and Upper Key Stage 2 Phase Lead. Alongside his classroom work Carl has developed a strong background as a UKS2 teacher and middle leader.

Carl is a highly committed and dedicated teacher with a passion for Maths and for leading learning in the upper primary years. His experience across both the UK and international schools brings a wide perspective to his role as Director of Key Stage 2.

Alexandra Gruia

Alexandra joined the British School of Bucharest in 2025 as a Teaching Assistant.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the State University of Moldova, where she developed a strong foundation in supporting children, families and communities.

During her studies, she was actively involved in projects with day centres for children, supporting young learners from disadvantaged backgrounds through educational and social activities. This experience strengthened her commitment to promoting equal opportunities in education and child development.

Passionate about education, child development and inclusive practices, Alexandra brings a broad cultural perspective and adaptability, which enrich her contribution to the BSB Community.

Jeremy Closs

Jeremy joined the BSB team as a Primary Cover Teacher in 2023.

Originally from California, USA, he moved to Romania in 2019, where he began teaching English as a foreign language to students of all ages. Jeremy holds a bachelor’s degree in Physical Sciences and a master’s degree in Science and Religion, which reflects his passion for both maths and sciences.

Outside of the classroom, Jeremy enjoys playing football, exploring the outdoors and practising his skills in woodworking. He is passionate about extending learning beyond the classroom and introducing new ideas into the educational environment.

Claudia Gagea

Claudia Gagea joined the British School of Bucharest in 2006 as a Teaching Assistant. She worked throughout the school but mainly in Key Stage 2 (years 4, 5 and 6).

She graduated from the Romanian-American University in Bucharest with a degree in International Relations, International Banking and Finance. She obtained her CTAIC course (Certificate for Teaching Assistants in an International Context) from the University of Northampton and currently works in EYFS, Pre-Nursery class.

William Chamley

Will joined the British School of Bucharest in 2024 as a Primary Class Teacher, bringing with him 15 years of teaching experience.

He completed his BA (Hons) in Primary Education in Canterbury and then spent five years teaching in his home county of Essex, Southern England. In 2014, Will moved overseas and has been teaching internationally in Qatar since then, most recently as English Lead and KS1 Teacher at the Royal Grammar School of Guildford, Qatar.

Will is an avid traveller, having visited over 50 countries, including Uganda, Japan, and Australia. He enjoys learning about other cultures and teaching children from a range of nationalities. He likes to create a vibrant and fun classroom environment, where children use practical resources to support their learning.

Daniela Vezeanu

Daniela Vezeanu began working at the British School of Bucharest in 2008 in Early Years.

She has a BA in Universal and Comparative English Literature. During her time working with children, she has specialised in working in the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1.

Emily Marsh

Emily Marsh joined the British School of Bucharest in 2019 as a Primary School Teacher and one of our Curriculum Coordinators.

Emily graduated from the University of Edinburgh and attended the University of Exeter, where she obtained her Primary PGCE, specialising in the Humanities. Emily started her teaching career 10 years ago, is a dedicated teacher with experience across the EYFS, KS1 and lower KS2 in the UK and overseas. She joined us after six successful years in Shenzen, China.

Nicoleta Bragadireanu

Nicoleta Bragadireanu started at the British School of Bucharest in 2006, working in Pre-Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 as a Teaching Assistant.

She is a graduate of the University of Bucharest (Department of Foreign Languages and Literature) and, in 2014, completed her CTAIC (Certificate for Teaching Assistants in an International Context) with the University of Northampton.

Yasmine Stoner

Yasmine Stoner joined the British School of Bucharest in 2025 as a Primary Class Teacher. She holds a PGCE in Primary with Mathematics and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Southampton. She previously gained international experience in the TEFL sector before returning to the UK to qualify as a teacher.

She is committed to creating a warm and inclusive classroom where every child feels respected and supported. Yasmine aims to instil a love of learning in her pupils, nurture their curiosity and build their confidence in their own abilities to succeed.

Ana-Maria Bragadireanu

Ana-Maria Bragadireanu currently works as a Teaching Assistant. She joined the British School of Bucharest in 2005 and has mostly been with Pre-Nursery and Nursery.

She also held the Resources Coordinator position for three years, covering classes in Years 1 to 6 during this time. Ana-Maria attended the George Cosbuc Bilingual High School, studying English as a second language, and has also studied English with a teaching module at the Spiru Haret University.

Victoria Weller

Victoria joined BSB in 2024 as a Primary Class Teacher. She completed her PGCE in 2022 at the University of Chester, following the completion of her Business and Management (BA) degree in 2018. She then worked as a supply teacher in the North West of England for a year before relocating to Romania. Prior to this, she volunteered in Thailand for a month, teaching young children English in a small village near Chiang Mai—an experience that ignited her passion for teaching abroad.

Victoria is dedicated to fostering creativity and a love of learning in her pupils, while also supporting their academic and personal growth.

Antonia Niculescu

Antonia has been part of the BSB Team since 2020 and has just returned from maternity leave in 2024.

Mark Cowley

Mark joined the British School of Bucharest in 2024 as a Class Teacher and Year Group Leader. He brings twenty years of primary teaching experience in various classroom and leadership roles, both in the UK and international contexts.

After graduating from the University of Stirling with a B.Sc. (Hons) in Environmental Science in 1999 and completing a postgraduate qualification in Information Technology at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, in 2002, Mark began his full-time teaching career in 2004 after completing his PGCE at Canterbury Christ Church University College.

Over the subsequent twenty years, Mark’s career has encompassed teaching in the UK state and private sectors across Key Stages 1 and 2, as well as in the international arena, specifically in the UAE and Egypt. He has consistently sought to develop his subject knowledge to enhance his own practice and, most importantly, to support the learners in his care. To this end, Mark achieved the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) in 2018.

Afrodita Ciobanu

Afrodita joined BSB in 2024 as a Teaching Assistant. She discovered her passion for teaching while training at a debate club from 2021 to 2023, having previously been a debater in secondary school.

She graduated from the National School of Political and Administrative Sciences with a BA in Psychology and a Certificate in Teaching. Afrodita is now working towards achieving her two main aspirations: becoming a psychotherapist and a teacher.
She has also volunteered in various activities involving children, which taught her that patience and understanding are essential for effective teamwork.

Jessie Davie

Jessie joined the British School of Bucharest in 2025 as a Primary Class Teacher.

She holds a First-Class Master of Arts with Honours degree in Education from the University of Dundee, where she also completed her first year as a qualified teacher in a Key Stage 2 setting.

Jessie is passionate about creating an inclusive classroom environment where different learning styles are valued and pupils feel safe to ask questions and learn from mistakes in order to grow. She believes that while children should strive to achieve their academic goals, it is equally important for them to develop the skills needed to become lifelong learners who communicate confidently, show curiosity, think innovatively and adapt to an ever-changing global society.

Alina Bazna

Alina joined BSB in 2024. She is an aspiring English Teacher and translator with a deep passion for learning.
Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Literary Translation from the University of Bucharest, she is particularly enthusiastic about British culture, film, theatre, and television.
Alina loves engaging in various art projects and actively encourages her pupils to apply their knowledge to their favourite hobbies as a way to enhance their learning experience.

​ Lucy Harrison

Lucy Harrison joined the British School of Bucharest in 2019 as a Teaching Assistant. She graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario, Canada.

Lucy obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, specialising in Social and Community Psychology, and a PGCE from the University of Birmingham. Lucy has volunteered in schools and worked as an Activities Director. She is a Class Teacher now and passionate about providing quality education to students and promoting a lifelong love for learning.

Elena Badea

Elena joined BSB in 2024. She is a visual artist and school pedagogue with over four years of experience in education. Elena excels in interacting and communicating with children, motivated by a strong desire to apply her skills to foster their harmonious and healthy development. Her experience as a school pedagogue has enhanced her ability to connect emotionally with children and adapt to the dynamic nature of educational settings. Known for her positive and energetic approach, Elena seamlessly blends theoretical knowledge with intuitive insight in her work.

Viviana Balan

Viviana joined BSB in 2024 as a Primary Class Teacher. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Developmental Psychology and Psychopathology from King’s College, Viviana lived and was schooled in the UK . Viviana’s journey into education began when she moved to Romania to work as a Teaching Assistant at BSB. This experience ignited her passion for teaching, leading her to pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at University College London (UCL). After gaining valuable teaching experience in Hackney, London, she is now eager to return to Romania and the British School of Bucharest and apply her skills and knowledge in a new educational setting and role.

Valentina Voiculescu

Valentina joined the British School of Bucharest in 2008. She is an experienced educator with over 15 years of involvement in British Schools. Throughout her career, she has taught students across various age groups, from Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to Key Stage 1 (KS1) and Key Stage 2 (KS2). This breadth of experience has enabled her to develop a comprehensive understanding of child development and tailor her teaching methods to effectively engage students of all ages.

In addition to her classroom experience, Valentina holds a degree in European Studies and International Relations. This academic background has enriched her perspective with a global outlook and a deep appreciation for intercultural understanding. To further enhance her teaching skills in diverse settings, she pursued a Certificate for Teaching Assistants in an International Context at the University of Northampton.

Valentina values the importance of providing a well-rounded educational experience. She is enthusiastic about integrating creativity and hands-on activities into her lessons. In her leisure time, she enjoys pursuits such as hiking, swimming, and cars – interests that occasionally find their way into her teaching to create engaging and memorable learning experiences.

Valentina is a highly motivated educator who thrives in collaborative environments. She believes that her extensive experience and dedication to nurturing young minds make her a valuable addition to any school community.

Karen Cojocaru

Karen, born and raised in the UK, graduated with a Primary Education degree from the University of Lancaster. She taught in primary schools in the north of England for a few years before moving to western Germany, spending 10 years teaching in an international environment. During this time, Karen played an important role in setting up a new bilingual international school in Cologne as part of the school’s Leadership Team. Karen joined BSB in 2014 and has successfully driven various initiatives including coordination of Literacy within Primary and as Year 4 Leader.

Joanna Voicu

Joanna joined BSB in 2023 as a Teaching Assistant. She had previously worked within a primary school in the South East of England, where she gained extensive experience working with children over a six-year period. Joanna worked as both a Teaching Assistant and a 1:1, supporting children with special educational needs.

Joanna has completed numerous training courses in different areas of childcare and education, including working towards a degree in Childhood Studies with the Open University.

In her spare time, Joanna enjoys travelling, walking and photography.

Susan Cowley

Susan joined the British School of Bucharest in 2024 as a Primary Class Teacher. After spending five years working as a TEFL teacher in Japan, she completed her PGCE in Primary Education in Canterbury, Kent. She then taught for several years in Kent, where she also took on the role of School Council Leader, before making the move to teach at an international school in Dubai. Upon returning to the UK, she taught in schools in Manchester and Aberdeenshire, Scotland, covering the Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 1 age ranges. Prior to joining the British School of Bucharest, Susan taught for two years at a British International School in Cairo, Egypt, where she also served as a Writing Coordinator.

Livia Bud

Livia Bud joined the British School of Bucharest in 2007 as a Teaching Assistant, working with Key Stage 1 for six years and, more recently, spending time with Key Stage 2.

During her time with the school, Livia has completed many courses, including Teaching Assistant, Child Protection, First Aid, Online Safely, Safeguarding Young People and The Prevent Duty.

Zoe Brzezinski

Zoe joined BSB in 2024 as a Primary Class Teacher. She graduated from Leeds Trinity University with a Bachelor’s degree in Primary Education: Later Years with Qualified Teacher Status, having been raised and schooled in the UK.

Zoe began her international teaching career in 2017, working in Wrocław, Poland, for seven years. During this time, she taught Years 4, 5, and 6, while also serving as Deputy Head of Primary, Acting Head of Primary, and, more recently, Primary Coordinator. She also established and led her school’s gymnastics club.

Zoe prides herself on creating a classroom where children are not only accepted but celebrated for who they are—an environment where a love of learning develops, and where children not only achieve their academic goals to the best of their ability but also leave as well-rounded, respectful, and open-minded members of society.

Bianca Olah

Bianca Olah joined the British School of Bucharest in 2012 as a Teaching Assistant.

Throughout her time at BSB, she has gained valuable experience in supporting children across the Primary School, with a particular focus on Key Stage 2. Bianca graduated from Transylvania University in Brasov with a degree in Romanian-English Literature and also a master’s degree from Bucharest University in Communications and Public Relations. She completed a Certificate for Teaching Assistants in an International Context at the University of Northampton, which has helped to shape and develop her classroom practice.

Christopher Hughes

Christopher joined BSB in 2025 as a Primary Teacher, bringing international experience and enthusiasm for learning to his role.

He completed his PGCE at Liverpool Hope University, graduating with distinction and has since taught in a range of cultural settings. His most recent post was at a British school in Marrakech and he has also taught English abroad in China and Spain.

Having lived and worked in six countries and travelled to over thirty, Christopher values the importance of global perspectives in education. He encourages pupils to see themselves as part of a wider world, to be curious and to embrace diversity.

His teaching style is firm but fair, built on high expectations, mutual respect and the belief that learning should be both challenging and enjoyable. He is committed to creating a positive classroom environment where every child feels supported and motivated to succeed.

Anca Huțanu

Anca Huțanu joined the British School of Bucharest in 2019 as a Teaching Assistant.

Anca graduated from the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iași, and she has Bachelor’s Degrees in both Psychology and English with German, together with her teacher training qualification. Anca has four years of experience in the private education sector, teaching English in different schools in Romania.

Hannah Thompson

Hannah began her international career in Switzerland as Programme Director for an Outdoor Education Centre after earning a degree in Adventure Tourism Management. She went on to lead school trips in Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, inspiring students to connect with global communities.

In 2016, she became Head of the Girls’ Dormitory at an international boarding school in the Czech Republic and supported the launch of an outdoor education company offering service trips and camps. Since returning to the UK in 2020, Hannah has completed her PGCE and taught Years 3 and 6, with a strong focus on sustainability.

Her passion for learning runs through all areas of the curriculum, where she seeks to make learning meaningful, engaging, and connected to the wider world. Dedicated to sparking a love of nature, Hannah is committed to empowering the next generation to care for the environment.

Eliot Dix

Eliot joined BSB in 2025. He graduated from Queen Mary University of London in 2016 with a first-class bachelor’s degree in History before embarking on a career in Audit & Assurance with BDO. He later moved away from the fast-paced world of accountancy and professional services and has since worked across a variety of sectors including hospitality, retail and education.

Eliot is passionate about shaping the future leaders of tomorrow and helping pupils develop their emotional intelligence.

Katherine Baldwin

Katherine Baldwin joined the British School of Bucharest in 2025 as a Primary Class Teacher.

She holds a PGCE in Primary Education from University College London (UCL), as well as a First-Class Honours degree in Contemporary Dance and a Postgraduate Diploma in Performance Studies.

She began her teaching career in London, working across Key Stage 2 and serving as Leader of Learning for Art before moving to Asia in 2019 to join Dulwich College (Singapore). During her six years there, she taught both Year 3 and Year 5, was Project Lead for Writing across the Junior School and contributed as an art specialist and extra-curricular dance teacher.

Fatma Hassan

Fatma joined BSB in 2024 as a Teaching Assistant, building on her background in nursing and her strong passion for working with children. She holds a degree in General Nursing and has gained valuable experience through various roles focused on paediatric care.

She began her career by volunteering at a children’s oncology hospital, where she developed deep empathy and a nurturing approach while supporting young patients and their families. Fatma later expanded her clinical experience as a nurse in a paediatric unit, further honing her skills in childcare and health management.

Scott Cable

Scott’s journey into teaching began when he started working with children as a full-time volunteer Sports Coach in Edinburgh for six months in 2007. This then led to a year working as a Teaching Assistant at a school for students with severe emotional and behavioural difficulties. After this, he completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Primary Education at The University of Edinburgh in 2009.

Scott spent one year teaching Year 5 in Scotland while completing further training to achieve full registration. Afterwards, Scott moved to Romania to teach at another international school where has been very busy for the last 12 years, teaching Years 2, 4, 5 and 6 and performing a variety of leadership roles including Pastoral, KS2, Technology, Year, and PSHE Leader.

Scott joined the British School of Bucharest in 2023.

Jordan Vaughan

Jordan joined BSB in 2025 as a Teaching Assistant, bringing a creative background in music technology and the arts.

He completed a BSc in Music Technology and went on to work as a freelance creative in music production, illustration and graphic design. Jordan also ran a bespoke recording studio where he collaborated with independent musicians. It was during this period that he discovered his passion for teaching, offering musical instrument tuition and lessons in sound engineering.

Having spent time internationally in several European countries, Jordan now applies his diverse creative and educational experience to his role in supporting pupils at BSB.

Justin Confer

Justin joined BSB in 2024 as a Primary Class Teacher and Year Group Leader. His teaching career has been shaped by diverse experiences across the globe. His journey began as a Middle School Team Lead at DYB English Academy in Seoul, South Korea. Following this, Justin spent two years at Ascend International School in Mumbai, India, as a PYP Homeroom Teacher, where he developed engaging lesson plans and fostered a culture of discovery.

In 2021, Justin moved to Bucharest to join an international school, initially as an Upper Primary English Teacher and later advancing to Head Teacher. In these roles, he focused on developing curricula for multiple year groups and mentoring new educators. Justin’s dedication to education and his ability to build strong relationships within the school community have been central to his success as an educator, helping him to inspire and guide both students and colleagues.

Maggie Giordano

Maggie joined BSB as a Teaching Assistant in 2023.

Coming from Canada originally and having spent time travelling across Europe, gaining exposure to various cultures and meeting new people, Maggie is thrilled to have settled in Bucharest. With a strong passion for literature, languages, and learning, she aspires to leverage her interests to make valuable contributions to the BSB Team.

Georgiana Varbiu

Georgiana joined the BSB team in 2023 as Primary Executive Assistant. In this role, Georgiana ensures the effective and efficient running of the Primary School office.

Georgiana holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Foreign Languages and possesses vast experience in television. As Office Manager, she has demonstrated excellent planning, organising, and coordinating competences in the demanding environment of a branding company.

She has been involved in different charities, volunteered in scout organisations, and has been one of the voices offering emotional support on the Elderly Line.

Yelena Chivaran

Yelena joined the British School of Bucharest in 2023, assuming the role of Resource and Stationery Coordinator. She plays a pivotal role in maintaining the cohesion of the Primary School office, ensuring seamless and efficient operations.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Foreign Languages, Yelena brings over 15 years of experience in Office Administration, Office Support, PA, and Document Control. She is a highly skilled professional in her field, and her expertise is evident in her work at BSB.

Jonathan Smith

Jonathan Smith joined the British School of Bucharest in 2015 as a teacher in the EAL Department.

Prior to moving to Romania, he taught English to children in Years 1 to 9 at a Czech state school, where he also worked on an initiative to introduce e-learning and promote inclusion within Czech schools. Jonathan’s significant experience with language learning also includes working with a prestigious Czech IT company, for whom he founded the English Language Training Department and helped establish an award-winning private international university, leading the English Department.

Ramona Boiangiu

Ramona joined BSB in 2003 and has been part of the teaching team for over 20 years, supporting pupils across Years 1 to 4 as a Teaching Assistant.

She holds a BA in English and Spanish from Spiru Haret University and a CACHE Level 2 Diploma for Teaching Assistants (Distinction). She has also gained the Cambridge English Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (Advanced) and the Cambridge English Level 5 Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA).

Since February 2024, Ramona has taken on the role of EAL Teacher, working with children from Key Stage 1 and supporting them in developing their English language skills and confidence across the curriculum. She is passionate about helping learners thrive in a multilingual environment and achieve their full potential both academically and personally.

Raluca Bobeica

Raluca Bobeica joined the British School of Bucharest in 2016.

She has an MA in Public Relations and Communication and a BA in Foreign Languages. Before joining the school, Raluca was an English teacher and a freelance photographer, working with children aged two to 15.

Megan Thompson

Megan joined BSB in 2024 as a Primary Drama Teacher. After earning her degree in Theatre Studies (Theatre Education) from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014, she spent six years teaching middle and high school theatre. She then moved to Romania, where she has been teaching both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 homeroom classes. Megan is passionate about the role of theatre in education, believing it empowers children to develop 21st-century skills while fostering empathy, active listening, and a sense of shared responsibility among learners.

Jonathan Prestbury

Jonathan joined the British School of Bucharest as a Primary Teacher in 2023. He graduated with combined honours in Music Technology and Media Communications and Culture from Keele University and started his teaching career in Primary Schools in the United Kingdom.

Jonathan has extensive experience performing, composing and recording a variety of musical styles and is a featured artist on several major recordings working with well-known record labels in the UK, such as Bella Union. His main instrument is the guitar, but he has also taught and can play the drums, bass and piano.

He began teaching primary-aged children a range of creative skills such as music, animation and film making, working with schools across the whole of the UK before completing his PGCE in Music and moving on to work in Secondary Schools in the North West of England. Jonathan also achieved a Cambridge accredited qualification to teach English as a foreign language and is a passionate advocate and practitioner of all the arts. He firmly believes in the educational power of creativity.

Nicholas Morgan

Nicholas Morgan has a BSc in Astronomy and Maths, which he obtained whilst living abroad in Malaysia.

He started his journey as a teacher at the Nexus International School in Putrajaya, Malaysia. He is an experienced KS2 teacher who taught Year 6 for the last three years at The British School Kathmandu in Nepal. Having extensive knowledge of new technologies, he uses technology to enhance learning as an ICT coordinator and a Google Certified Trainer. He has an innate passion for developing a growth mindset in his students and encouraging them to embrace all facets of their education.

Vasiliki Charmani

Vasiliki earned her BA in French Language and Literature from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She holds an advanced master’s degree in Education of the French Language from the Open University of Patras (Greece) and an MA in Educational Psychology from the University of Nicosia (Cyprus).

Her teaching career began in Greece, where she taught French in various language schools and public and private schools in Athens. Over the last nine years, she worked within the International Baccalaureate system, teaching French to students ranging from Year 4 to Year 13 in different European countries, including Switzerland, Austria, and Latvia.

Vasiliki has been an examiner for the French exams DELF DALF for two decades and possesses extensive expertise in A-level and IB courses. In Austria, she also served as an intensive needs teacher assistant at an elementary school, providing support to students with learning difficulties.

In her leisure time, Vasiliki enjoys travelling, cooking and expanding her language skills.

Sara Kordoghliazar

Sara Kordoghliazar joined BSB as a Primary Teacher Assistant in 2023. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Coventry University in Sport Management and has the International Professional qualification in tennis awarded by the Spanish Tennis Federation. As a tennis coach, Sara has worked with children as young as three years old, making patience one of her key skills, along with organisation and motivation.

Dalila Istrate

Ms Dalila Istrate joined the British School of Bucharest in January 2005 as a Teaching Assistant. She brought a wealth of talent and experience gained working with children, both within and outside Romania. Dalila is a qualified Art Teacher and has completed three international courses as part of her continuous professional development during her 16 years as a Teaching Assistant.

Philosophy

After I lived in Argentina for several years and worked with children from poor backgrounds, I realised that I had the skills and knowledge to prepare them for a better world. Teaching is a way of offering a solid learning experience to each pupil, which is one reason that inspires me to continue to teach to this day.

What I teach my students

I will start with Maria Montessori’s metaphor, ‘The Child, His Majesty’.
Every year group demands specific necessities. Being an EYFS Music Teacher is a challenge for me to make them understand and embrace Music at such an early stage of their lives. Being a Primary Music TA is a perfect opportunity for me to support my students in learning and discovering Music and instruments.

Something unexpected

I am quite a good ping-pong and badminton player, and I received the title of Champion in Secondary School by competing with different school teams from Romania.

Andreea Nichita

Andreea Nichita joined BSB as a Teaching Assistant in August 2022. She is a certified Yoga teacher and completed her certification at Rishikesh, India, in 2020. Following her passion and continuous desire to keep learning, she is pursuing a Diploma in Psychology.

Andreea Tanase

Andreea joined BSB in 2024 as a Teaching Assistant. She holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Bucharest. Over the years, she has studied in both France and Poland, with a keen interest in topics such as instructional design, gamification of learning, LMS (Learning Management System), and BBL (Brain-Based Learning).

Professionally, Andreea worked for two years as a Primary School teacher and Social Sciences teacher within the public education system in Romania. She holds the title of QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) in the field of Social Sciences. Additionally, she has experience working with students with special educational needs related to ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), ADHD, and Dyslexia.

Andreea directed her teaching interest towards disadvantaged communities in rural areas of Romania. She was also a trained teacher within the NGO Teach for Romania, where she developed skills in working with students to improve literacy, numeracy, socio-emotional, and leadership skills.

In 2022, she obtained an Erasmus+ scholarship for teachers in Italy, where she participated in a training course in the field of digital tools in teaching – ICT tools.

Her hobbies include learning foreign languages, writing, photography, literature, and cooking.

Andreea Popa

Ioana joined BSB in 2025 as a Teaching Assistant, bringing expertise in psychology and therapeutic support for children and adolescents.

She is a clinical psychologist and cognitive-behavioural psychotherapist with training in psychological assessment and therapeutic interventions for a range of childhood and adolescent disorders. Since 2024, Ioana has also been a master trainer in Romania for the Caregiver Skills Training Programme, developed by the World Health Organization with support from Autism Speaks, which aims to improve access to parenting strategies for families of children with developmental delays or disabilities.

Theodora Anagnostopoulou

Theodora has taught English, French and Greek as a foreign language teacher.

Through this extensive experience, she has acquired new techniques in teaching, become more patient, made new friends and visited new places to meet her students. In 2013, though her coming to Romania did not seem like a step in the right direction as she did not speak the language back then, she reinvented herself and taught in nurseries. Her last position as Deputy Headmaster at a French kindergarten also helped her gain experience in preschool stages. “I know only one thing that I know nothing”, by Socrates, keeps her forever interested in learning daily from her students.
She likes learning languages when she doesn’t work or tries to create with yarn and needles what she cannot draw. Having no pets in her new location, she turned her love to plants and found out she has green fingers, after all.

Eibhlin Goppert

Eibhlín Göppert joins the British School of Bucharest as a teacher of Arts, Design & Food Technology.

She received a first honours BA in Education and Psychology from the Mary Immaculate College in Ireland, specialising in Art in Education and ABA in Psychology. She also attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston to receive the Nord Anglia training on launching STEAM challenges in school.

Eibhlín has taught across both Primary and Secondary schools, including as Head of Art at the British International School Hanoi in Vietnam. In that role, she achieved excellent results and created an engaging curriculum that challenged and provided increased interest in IGCSE and IB Visual Arts courses.

She aims to continue working internationally and in Secondary Art Education, collaborating with professionals and students from around the world to provide meaningful learning opportunities that align with our ever-changing environment.

Teodora Ghinea

Teodora Ghinea joined the British School of Bucharest in 2022 as a School Counsellor. She graduated with a MA in Assessment, Counselling and Psychotherapy for children, couples and families from the University of Bucharest.

Teodora is a Member of the Romanian Psychologists College, professing as an Autonomous clinical psychologist and psychological counsellor. She has experience working with children with emotional, social or school difficulties, as well as experience working with children with special needs, including expertise in personal development workshops. Teodora also has long-term training in Experiential and Unification Psychotherapy focused on adult-child-couple-family.

Teodora volunteers for children in different associations and non-formal activities, providing them with emotional support.

Paul Gildea

Paul joined the British School of Bucharest in 2015, taking on the Key Stage 2 Coordinator role then becoming Director of Pastoral Care and Inclusion for Primary and is currently the Director of Professional Development and Learning.

He studied at the University of Durham and graduated with a BA degree in Russian and Eastern European Studies before undertaking a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) focusing on Modern Foreign Languages at the University of London, and has an MA in Education, Leadership and Management from the University of Derby. Paul gained eight years of experience in the British school system, rising to the position of Assistant Headteacher while working in two London primary schools. He has also worked as an English Subject Leader and Year 6 Teacher at the British School of Beijing.