Ramona Ivan

Primary English Coordinator
Teacher of English

I decided to become a teacher of English many years ago. My mum often tells me that, as a child, I would pretend to be a teacher, with my dolls lined up as my pupils. Like many young girls, I once dreamed of becoming a doctor, an actress, a teacher, or a ballerina – though many of us grow up to be accountants, nurses, event planners, and so on. I had my doubts and faced my share of ups and downs, but in time, I came to understand that teaching was what I was truly meant to do.

I am delighted to take on the role of Primary English Coordinator from the 2026 – 2027 academic year. In this role, I will support the ongoing development of the English curriculum, foster collaboration among the Primary English teaching team, and ensure that our shared vision of high-quality teaching and learning is consistently reflected across the department. A key focus of my work will be embedding the 3Cs philosophy into curriculum planning and classroom practice, designing engaging, well-structured, and interactive English lessons that encourage active participation while supporting the development of the knowledge, skills, and values at the heart of the 3Cs framework.

I graduated from the Faculty of Letters and Sciences in 2005 (University of Ploiești), and I began teaching English in the very same year. From the start of my career, I became actively engaged in my professional development, attending various courses, conferences, and workshops that helped me explore key aspects of teaching English to different age groups – including young learners, teenagers, undergraduate students, and adults. These included training in Jolly Phonics and Grammar, Classroom Management based on Adlerian principles, Thinking Routines in the Classroom, and a series of certificates in exam preparation (YLE, KET, PET) awarded by the British Council. I also obtained the Primary Essentials Certificate, the Cambridge Business English Certificate Higher, and a Certificate in Teacher Training.

In October 2011, I proudly became a Cambridge CELTA-qualified English Language Teacher after completing an intensive one-month course in the UK. During this experience, I immersed myself in British culture and gained valuable insights into teaching methodology, language awareness, lesson planning, and effective use of classroom resources.

Over the years, I have remained committed to professional growth and to understanding my students’ behaviour in order to better meet their individual needs. I have come to see that children are naturally eager to learn and explore – their minds are like sponges, ready to absorb everything around them. Most importantly, I’ve learned that through play, each child can express their creativity and reveal their full personality.

I started working as a Teacher of English at Avenor College in 2014 – and what a wonderful experience it has been! I’ve continued to grow professionally, always setting new goals and seeking opportunities to develop my practice. In 2016, Avenor College became a member of The Common Ground Collaborative, which gave me the opportunity to deepen my understanding of guided inquiry, thinking routines, and visible learning. Throughout these years, I have taken on several roles: Teacher of English, English Curriculum Leader for Lower Primary, and later, Coordinator for both Lower Primary and Pregătitoare classes.

In 2017, I embraced new professional development opportunities, including the Leading Learning from the Middle programme, which enriched my teaching practice and strengthened my approach to learning and teaching in the Primary School.

Being a parent has given me an even deeper appreciation of the trust and hope that families place in their children’s school and teachers. I see every child as full of potential, and I believe my role is to provide the encouragement, support, and challenge they need to discover their strengths and grow with confidence. My goal is for every student to feel seen, heard, and valued, and for each day in the classroom to nurture curiosity, resilience, and a genuine love of learning.