He has completed the track record of Heritage International School with multiple trophies and outstanding performances in sports matches and competitions and is dedicated to transforming the life and the physical condition of each student for the better. It is about Andrei Russu, the sports teacher at Heritage, who day by day inspires his colleagues and students to practice an active and healthy lifestyle.

Andrei Russu was captivated by the world of sports since childhood, a passion that led him on his way to a career in this field. He completed his university studies and a master's program in Physical Education and Sports, played professional soccer, and later set his goals on becoming a coach. Although he initially did not see himself as a teacher, his experience at Heritage completely changed the trajectory of his life, and he is now dedicated not only to teaching his students the discipline of physical education, but also to passing on to them his passion for a more balanced lifestyle.

“Since 2017, I have been a sports teacher and sports coordinator at Heritage International School. At first, it was not a personal choice, I played professional football and wanted to continue my career as a coach; less likely I would have chosen to be a teacher. But I learned that I manage to do this well, I like working with children and I have a close connection with them. I’m trying to pass the passion for sports on to my students, to help them understand what a healthy lifestyle is and why it is necessary for everyone.”

For more than 6 years, Andrei Russu has been the coach leading the Heritage school sports team to impressive victories in local and national sports competitions. In order to ensure a favourable environment for learning and development, Heritage International School invests in the best conditions and technologies, including for the discipline of physical education and the practice of extracurricular sports activities. The coach emphasizes the importance of this support: “For me, the conditions we have, both the teachers and the students, are very important – a high-performance sports hall, all the sports equipment that allows us to diversify our activities, to choose what we do, to have something to do, to have a place to grow and develop together. Recently, we played in a municipal basketball competition and we were victorious after an 18 game winning streak – we didn't lose a single one. These competitions motivate students to work harder.”

Beyond the victories on the sports field, Andrei Russu managed to build a relationship based on trust and open communication with his students as well. He tries to be not just a teacher, but a real mentor for them – he encourages them to freely express their thoughts and concerns, making them feel understood and safe.

“I am trying to be friendly with the children, we have a very good communication relationship, keeping strict boundaries. They can come during the break to ask me for advice, to communicate, to ask something if they are unclear or want an opinion. I am proud that my efforts are not in vain, and the work is reflected in the results that my students – Heritage students – have."

The teacher says that at Heritage, the only Cambridge School in Moldova, which offers students a world-class education, a great advantage is the opportunity each student has to discover their passion and reach their maximum potential. And he, in turn, is always ready to guide them and help them fulfil their dreams.

“Within the Cambridge International AS & A Level programme students have the opportunity to choose a particular type of sport that they want to practice. We focus more on one challenge: some prefer basketball, others –  football, that's why we prepare for different types of competitions at the national level.”

His teaching methods are special and innovative, adapted to the students’ needs and interests. From dynamic games to interactive lessons, Andrei Russu uses his creativity to make each lesson memorable and fun, according to the school's educational standards.

“At Heritage, every student has the freedom to speak his mind, to show his abilities, no one will ever stop them from an activity. They have the right to ask for help, to speak, to express themselves. We support them and allow them to do this, we want them to have confidence in their own strength, to be as free, curious and aware as possible. Here they have the opportunity to choose different interdisciplinary subjects, to access international projects, to gain experiences that prepare them for the future. I'm glad that today's generations have opportunities that we, the children of yesteryear, could only dream of.”