Anca Toma

Activist, Change Agent, Educator/Teacher, Global soul, Parent, World traveler

This is now my tenth year at Tashkent International School—far longer than I originally planned—but it has been an incredibly rewarding journey. I continue to learn from the wonderful culture around me and from the inspiring colleagues I have the privilege to work with. Each day I am inspired by my students’ ideas and stories. A passionate advocate for languages, student agency, and social justice, I draw on my own educational and personal journey from Romania to Canada to champion resilience and multilingualism. For me, sharing stories is a way to shape communities and spark change — and I remind my students, and myself, that learning never ends.

I am driven by curiosity and the joy of learning, always eager to explore new ideas and share my journey with others. I believe in lifting people up, championing education for girls and women, and pushing boundaries to spark positive change. My greatest passions — my work, my community, and my family — inspire me every day to keep growing, giving, and making a difference.

Education is not complete without emotion — it’s the spark that makes knowledge come alive

Concept-based teaching and learning, IB International Educator, Language teaching and learning, Literacy

I’ve watched countless talks and reflected on how my own story connects with others. What excites me most is the creativity and passion young people bring to the world. By organizing a TEDxYouth at my school, I’m not just giving students a platform — I’m giving them the tools, confidence, and voice to shape their future and become true agents of change. My belief in this mission was reinforced after attending TEDAI Vienna 2025, an experience that showed me firsthand the transformative impact of ideas and the power of sharing them on a global stage.

Recognizing potential in others and helping them find their voice. I can transform language, culture, and storytelling into meaningful learning experiences that inspire confidence and connection. My strength also lies in building bridges across cultures and encouraging others to see challenges as opportunities for growth.