Ana-Maria Brezniceanu, Montessori School Bucharest: "Teachers promote values because they are role models for children."

As adults, we feel this impact. We all know from our childhood that we carry in our hearts the teachers who encouraged us, validated us, made us love their subject through the passion they transmitted to us. In the Circle of Security program - which I recommend to all teachers - you will learn that it only takes one adult to be a support to a child in need, neglected, perhaps abused, for that child to be saved. The impact is undoubtedly significant. Teachers educate. Teachers work every day with the minds but also with the souls of children. Teachers promote values because they are role models for children.

Which are the key attributes and competencies of a good teacher? 

What will the teacher of the future look like?

I hope not like in Asimov's novel "The Fun They Had", where there were no schools and children were educated by machine-robots, individually, each at home. I'm all for individualizing each child's path, as in Montessori pedagogy, but only if the community, the socialization, is preserved. In my science fiction vision, it will disappear the current planning made at the beginning of the school year according to a standard curriculum which all children of the same age must follow. Children are not like products on a factory, all the same. Instead of the racing type school where obviously some get to the end faster, some fall behind, and some don't even get started, I'm hoping for a personalized journey school, where children have the chance to build themselves in authentically, full of curiosity way, and to discover relevant information about life in general.

What elements of the education - as we know it today - do you think will stand the test of time?

This perspective depends on how humanity evolves. The school is the mirror of society. Think of the ancient philosophy that did not last. Think that in the old days, the teacher and the priest were the most respected figures in the society and they trained children both academically and socially. Our perspectives changed. over the years. I am an idealist and I still hope that humanity will recover. In my view, the answer to many of today's problems lies in education.

How do you see the role of technology in education - now and in the future?

I think it's one of the good things we've come out of the pandemic with. Even if it wasn't successful at the time and deepened existing inequalities, it could, on the contrary, diminish those inequalities. This would require governments to organise the infrastructure well so that all children have access to the internet and tablets. And they would also need to support those who design smart, self-learning programmes. This would give a great opportunity to all children, regardless of the material situation of the family, the school they attend. My team and I are working on such a programme.

One classroom experience you will never forget

What was your first day as a teacher like?

I don't know why I wasn't nervous at all. I just jumped in and loved it. Since I was 3 years old I had chosen this profession.

What was your first day at  like as a child?

What is your role model in the area of education?

A book you would read over and over again

"The diary of happiness" by Nikola Steinhardt.