With over 25 years of experience in education, Victoria Fiodorov combines the academic rigor of law with the pedagogical sensitivity required for working with adolescents. After two decades spent in the university environment, she now teaches Law and General Paper at Heritage International School, following the Cambridge Assessment International Education curriculum, preparing students for top university studies anywhere in the world.

From philology and law, to educating students at Heritage

Her academic path is a complex one. She initially graduated from the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures, specializing in Philology/English Language, and later – from the Faculty of Law, followed by a master’s degree and a PhD in law.

For over 20 years, she was a university lecturer at the Moldova State University, where she taught specialized English, civilization, and legal terminology. The decision to teach in an international school context was motivated by the desire to work with an authentic, flexible, and applied curriculum.

“The Cambridge curriculum offers the possibility of real in-depth study and practical application of knowledge. Students can focus on a narrow field, study it intensively, and understand whether this is their professional path,” says Victoria Fiodorov. 

Students in grades 11 and 12 study Law eight hours per week – a volume comparable to the first years of university. In the first year, Victoria Fiodorov introduces them to fundamental concepts and legal institutions, and in the second year, she deepens the analysis, working at an advanced level. Thus, when Heritage graduates reach prestigious universities, they are already familiar with the language and structure of legal studies.

Law – a foundation in forming global citizens 

For Victoria Fiodorov, law is not just an academic discipline, but an indispensable tool for shaping informed citizens. In a context where the European integration of the Republic of Moldova, democracy, and international law are intensely discussed, the study of law provides students with the ability to understand how institutions, political processes, and the mechanisms of the rule of law function.

“In class, students study the British legal system, and for clarity and relevance, they often conduct comparative analyses with the legal system of the Republic of Moldova. This approach helps them identify differences, similarities, and institutional particularities,” Victoria mentions.

Although law involves rigor and strict rules, the classroom atmosphere is open and interactive. Discussions, debates, case analysis, comparisons between legal systems, video materials, and specialized educational platforms transform the lesson into a dynamic learning space.

“I encourage them to ask questions, not to be afraid to express their opinion. Progress comes through questions,” says the teacher.

Victoria Fiodorov strives to always stay up to date with developments in the educational field and combines classical teaching methods with modern tools, so that lessons are dynamic and accessible to all students.

“I frequently use quizzes and brainstorming-type games to facilitate the understanding of legal concepts. I am also subscribed to specialized legal educational platforms, which we use to create a more interactive approach and to stimulate students' active involvement,” she says. The small number of students and the 8 hours of classes per week allow her to track each student's progress in detail and to provide support where needed.

Critical thinking – the essential skill of the 21st century 

In an era dominated by artificial intelligence and massive information flows, critical thinking is a top priority skill that Victoria Fiodorov constantly cultivates in her students in the General Paper subject. Students read articles from various fields – politics, health, culture, education – analyze contemporary topics, and participate in debates.

“Reading is the foundation. It develops both critical thinking and the ability to write with coherence and strong argumentation,” says Victoria. 

In her classes, young people are shaped into individuals capable of thinking, analyzing, and making responsible decisions in a global society.

“I believe that the most important skill today is critical thinking, which allows students to differentiate between truth and lies. This competence will be useful to them in any field they choose, especially in a world flooded with information and technology. Therefore, the development of critical thinking is, in my opinion, the essential priority in education,” concludes Victoria.