Mihaela State
Qualifications
Qualified teacher with 26 years of experience in English Language and Literature across both Romanian and international educational settings. My qualifications include an International Postgraduate Certificate in Education (UK), an MA in Educational Management, and a BA in English and Romanian Language and Literature. I have also completed leadership and mentoring training for both school leadership and middle leadership roles, alongside Romanian professional teaching qualifications, including Definitivat and Grad II.
Training
- iPGCE- University of Derby
- MA- Educational Management- University of Bucharest
- EduForm Manager- CCD course for School Leaders
- DragonFLy- course for Middle Leaders
- BA- double major in English and Romanian Language and Literature
- Definitivat, Grad 2, Train the Trainer mentoring certification
At Questfield
I joined Questfield International College in 2019 as an English teacher and now serve as Head of English & World Languages Faculty, teaching students across KS3 and High School while also working as a Form Tutor. Beyond the classroom, I lead initiatives that celebrate language, creativity, and confident communication, including TEDx Questfield Intl College Youth, Spelling Bees, Writing and Poetry Competitions, and Public Speaking and Storytelling Clubs. I care deeply about supporting meaningful initiatives and helping create an environment where both students and teachers can work with energy, curiosity, and a genuine sense of possibility.
My approach
At the heart of my teaching philosophy is the belief that a classroom should feel both intellectually alive and deeply human. In my lessons, students are invited to fall in love with books, read closely, think critically, question confidently, and discover how language can shape not only arguments, but identity, empathy, and understanding. There is structure behind the creativity and high expectations behind the warmth, yet learning often feels effortless, carried by discussion, reflection, and the power of a compelling story. Parents visiting my classroom would find curiosity, respect, and students encouraged to see the world with sharper eyes, open minds, and the confidence to find their own voice within it.
Beyond the classroom
Beyond the classroom, I am happiest surrounded by books, good conversations, and people who make me laugh until I cannot breathe. I read endlessly, fiction for its humanity and wonder, non-fiction for the new ways it teaches me to see the world. I love spending time with friends, discovering the cultural life of the city, whether that means theatre, exhibitions, music, or simply long evenings in cafés sharing ideas and stories. Cycling, painting, dancing, gardening, and quiet moments of meditation help me remain curious, present, and open to life; qualities I hope to bring into my classroom every day.