How did you decide to pursue this profession?

C.Ș. I think I always wanted to be a teacher. At first, I imagined myself as a math teacher. My high school math teacher was my role model. I can say that in many ways, he still is. I studied at the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Mathematics, and since computer science was becoming fashionable in my second year, I decided to continue my studies at the Faculty of Computer Science.

So yes, I believe I felt this was my calling, even though my father imagined me as a great lawyer.

A.P. (Laughs) I’m learning new things about my colleague in this very conversation, even though we’ve worked together for years. I also wanted to be a math teacher, but thanks to my high school physics teacher, I applied to Politehnica University, and by chance, I ended up in Timișoara. As my colleague said, the first computer courses were being offered then, and I loved them so much that I later took a postgraduate course in computer science. That’s how I shaped my path toward teaching computer science.

You speak passionately about your beginnings in this field. What continues to motivate you as teachers?

C.Ș. Mainly their successes. We have many accomplished students who, after finishing high school, work abroad, in companies that innovate in technology, or in companies where they eventually hold important positions. That motivates me. I have always wished for more and more students who succeed based on the knowledge they acquire in high school. And the fact that we also contribute together to their success is truly valuable.

A.P. Yes, that’s true. Our students give us positive energy. Even if they don’t go on to study computer science, they develop logical thinking, because computer science is constantly reinventing itself. And beyond that, while we teach them, we also learn from them.

How do you encourage a love for your subject?

A.P. I can say that we launch various challenges that encourage creativity and learning through play. After one such challenge on the topic of internet safety, a girl won a camp in a competition. Of course, it’s not always possible, but whenever we can, we use platforms that help them understand algorithms and create code through play, making the character they chose perform different activities. For example, we encourage participation in the Hour of Code event, where for one hour a week, students play while programming.

C.Ș. They are also motivated when we tell them about the achievements of former students in the field of computer science and their professional paths. They look up to them as role models.

And in the current context of education, what do you think is the teacher’s main role today?

C.Ș. To inspire them.

A.P. Exactly, to inspire them, as my colleague said – and to offer, as much as possible, an example to follow, encouraging them to pursue their dreams.

In an age of instant information, just a click away, what is, in your experience, the greatest challenge for a teacher in the classroom?

C.Ș. The conditions and equipment in the computer lab could be improved considerably. What would truly be useful is for every student to have their own computer, for it to work properly, for the internet to always function, and for us, when entering the lab, to be able to teach from the first to the last minute without having to deal with technical issues.

A.P. From the teacher’s perspective in general, I think the pandemic left its mark on students, as it has become harder for them to concentrate, to study consistently, or to be patient. To address this, we try to involve them in extracurricular activities that develop different skills.

As we near the end, what advice would you give to a young person preparing to become a teacher?

C.Ș. The same advice I gave my daughter, who chose this field and is already teaching. I told her – you must have patience, you must understand the student in front of you. At this stage, they face many challenges. I told her: talk to other experienced teachers, read, talk to specialists, learn what you need to do. Everyone has good intentions, but we don’t always know how to ask for help or talk to each other.

A.P. First of all, you must love children to enter this profession. Even if you wouldn’t think there are so many challenges – there are. Even if it doesn’t seem like a difficult profession, and people say we have a lot of time, it is a very complex job. You must love children and truly want to contribute to their growth.