Mari Nicolae

Academic Learning Lead Primary
Form Tutor 2 Alfa

I quickly realised that teaching others is about connecting with people, places, and stories. Just two months after graduating from the Pedagogical High School in Ploiești (1999), I began my journey as a teacher with a dual specialisation in primary and preschool education, taking on the responsibility of shaping young minds.

I earned my degree in Romanian and English from the Faculty of Letters at the Petroleum-Gas University of Ploiești (2005), followed by a Master’s in Educational Management from SNSPA, Bucharest (2006). My professional journey naturally progressed with obtaining my teaching certification, CNFPA certification as a trainer, IRSCA certification in gifted education, THINKBUZAN certification as a Mind Mapping Practitioner, TKT CLIL certification, and STEM E-Trainer certification through EASE.

My experience in the Primary Years Programme (PYP) deepened through participation in specialised courses like Mantle of the Expert, “CRED – Relevant Curriculum, Open Education for All,” and various OECD projects. I also contributed to writing learning modules in partnership with CGC (Common Ground Collaborative). The shift to online education led to my certification in digital tools and involvement as an educational consultant in grassroots mentoring projects.

Driven by a passion for education, I continuously explore new ideas and apply them creatively in the classroom. In 2012, I co-authored a set of worksheets for math and environmental studies for preparatory classes, published by Humanitas. Additionally, I contributed to the development of digital textbooks for first grade and a practical guide for teachers on using graphic organisers in learning. I also collaborated on the “Școala Colorată” educational package for first graders with ArtKlett. Since 2020, I’ve been part of the Aspire Teachers community, and in 2023, I began organising webinars and mentoring sessions on project-based learning within the EASE (European Network of STEAM Educators) community.

At Avenor, my mission spans multiple roles, all embraced with dedication and enthusiasm. I lead the curriculum design project for primary classes, focusing on helping students develop a love for learning that becomes a natural, lifelong habit.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring nature, and engaging in cultural tourism.