Teacher training in the Republic of Moldova: traditions and trends

Abstract

The author analyses the system of teacher training in the Republic of Moldova. Teacher training is a strategic issue for the Republic of Moldova, given that education is declared a national priority, but also because there are certain difficulties in providing the education system with qualified professionals. Teacher training and the quality of training of this professional category is a priority. Teacher training is a wide-ranging process encompassing pedagogical colleges and universities. Compared to universities, colleges put a strong emphasis on learning by doing. The priority of teacher training is stated in policy documents as well. The author describes the Normative and Policy Framework. There are different Professional Training Programs in the Republic of Moldova. The study programmes provide professional training in the specialist and pedagogical fields however, the analysis of study plans and the results of surveys show that some aspects of psycho-pedagogical training are given greater weight and others are in some way neglected. The teaching profession is not among the top jobs in the Republic of Moldova, though а programme to attract the youth to teaching careers and to keep young specialists in the education system is being implemented. Concerning the motivation, teachers mention that the amount of the salary is of little importance; rather, they enjoy the field/subject they teach; they like working with children and young people; they want to change the lives of children and young people. Today, the people in the education system of the Republic of Moldova have various levels of qualification. Given the importance of teacher training in terms of quality of education, modernising training programmes, and upgrading programmes to foster the teaching profession must be a permanent concern of the competent institutions. Keywords: vocational training; psycho-pedagogical mode; career education; professional qualification.