On November 17, on International Students’ Day, nearly 200 students and pupils participated in an event on promoting the teaching career, organised by the Ministry of Education and Research with the support of the EU High Level Advisers’ Mission. The purpose of the event was to promote the image of the teacher and increase the interest, motivation and number of young people who will opt for the teaching career.
Final year students from the pedagogical specialties of the State University of Moldova, State Pedagogical University “I. Creangă” from Chisinau, University of Physical Education and Sports, Academy of Music, Theater and Fine Arts, Pedagogical College “A. Mateevici” from Chisinau, young teachers employed in high schools, middle schools and kindergartens, winners of the “Teacher of the Year” 2021 and 2022 contest, high school principals, rectors, vice-rectors and future high school graduates took part in the event.
The Minister of Education and Research, Anatolie Topală, opened the event, emphasizing the importance of the teaching profession, but also the benefits it offers: “I consider the teaching profession fundamental for educating the professionals and citizens of tomorrow. The state grants a series of facilities for those who opt for the teaching career: a one-time support worth 120,000 lei upon signing the first employment contract as a teacher, support for paying heating and electricity bills, as well as a work load of 75% – all this in addition to the social prestige of the profession.”
For his part, the Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova Jānis Mažeiks stated that the European Union has been supporting the field of education in Moldova over the years, through specifically allocated funds and mobilisation of sectoral European expertise: “It is gratifying to see investments in the young generation, by promoting the teaching profession; namely investments in education can ensure a prosperous future for the country.”
The students of pedagogical specialties from the 5 mentioned institutions that train teaching staff, presented the professional training opportunities in the field of Educational Sciences, including through dual education offered to young people. The young specialists employed in schools in the country spoke to future graduates about the advantages during graduation and employment. The winning teaching staff of the Teacher of the Year 2021 and 2022 Competition shared the experience gained in educational institutions and the importance of choosing the teaching profession.
The event ended with activities in practical workshops presenting the educational offers of higher education institutions and pedagogical colleges and an artistic program presented by universities.
The students participating in the event received promotional materials with the slogan “Good teachers, prosperous country. Choose to become a teacher.”
The event is the first of a series of workshops planned, including in the regions of the country, the next ones being scheduled to take place in Balti, on November 22, and Cahul, on December 1.