Initial teacher education and training

In the Republic of Moldova, the initial training of teachers is regulated by the provisions of the Education Code, which establishes the minimum qualification requirements for holding teaching positions at different levels of the education system.

Qualification levels depending on the level of education:

a) in early childhood education – holding a qualification in the field of at least ISCED level 4 – post-secondary vocational education;

b) in primary education – holding a qualification in the field of at least ISCED level 5 – post-secondary non-tertiary vocational education; in lower secondary education (gymnasium) – holding a qualification in the field of at least ISCED level 6 – higher bachelor's degree;

c) in upper secondary education – holding a qualification in the field of at least ISCED level 7 –master's degree;

d) in technical vocational education – holding a qualification of at least ISCED level 5 – non-tertiary post-secondary vocational education;

e) in higher education – holding a qualification of at least ISCED level 7 –master’s degree.

In artistic and sports education, honorary titles and prizes obtained in national and international competitions, recognised by the relevant central bodies, confer the right to occupy teaching positions. 

To occupy a scientific-didactic position in higher education, it is necessary to hold a qualification of ISCED level 8 – higher doctoral studies. For teaching positions, graduates of non-pedagogical higher education programmes are required to follow the psychopedagogical module, corresponding to 60 transferable study credits (Questionnaire, part 2, Chapter 26, Education and culture).

Conditions of service 

The conditions of service of didactic staff in the Republic of Moldova are regulated by the Education Code. These provisions establish the rights, social guarantees and professional obligations of didactic, scientific-didactic, scientific and managerial staff in public educational institutions.

Rights and social guarantees

Teachers benefit from a number of professional and social rights, including:

• didactic freedom: the right to choose educational methods, technologies and materials, including alternatives to those officially approved, as long as state educational standards are respected;
• democratic participation: the opportunity to be elected to the governing and advisory bodies of the educational institution;
• recognition of experience: previous teaching service and research activity are recognized in the case of transfer between institutions;
• trade union rights: the right to associate in trade union and professional organisations;
• protection against violence: staff have the right to protection against physical and verbal violence, as well as access to psychological assistance in cases of aggression;
• annual leave: the right to annual paid leave according to the Labor Code.

New teachers benefit from additional guarantees, such as:

• reduction of teaching load: in the first five years of activity, the teaching load can be reduced by up to 75% for a full salary;
• professional training internships: guaranteed by the state at least once every three years;
• financial compensation: for the purchase of teaching materials and IT equipment intended for online training activities;
• newcomer allowances: for those assigned by the Ministry of Education and Research in public education, financed from the state budget;
• compensation for housing and utility expenses: for teachers working in rural areas or in the Gagauzia Autonomous Region.

Obligations of teaching staff

Teaching staff have a series of professional obligations, including:

• ensuring the quality of education: by respecting the national curriculum and educational standards;
• respecting professional ethics and the rights of pupils and students;
• collaboration with the family and community to support student development;
• prevention and reporting of abuse: the obligation to intervene or notify the authorities in case of suspicions or confirmation of acts of abuse, violence or neglect of children;
• prohibition of political, religious or militaristic propaganda within the educational process.
• confidentiality of personal data of pupils and students;
• continuous professional development.

Code of Ethics and Pupils Protection

The obligations of teachers in relation to pupils, parents and colleagues are detailed in the Code of Ethics of Teachers, and failure to comply with it is considered a serious misconduct. The Ministry of Education and Research has also approved a special Methodology on the prevention and combating of bullying in educational institutions.

Continuing professional development

Continuous professional training of teachers in the Republic of Moldova is a legal obligation throughout their entire professional career and is regulated by the Government, in accordance with the provisions of the Education Code of the Republic of Moldova.

The professional development of didactic, scientific-didactic, scientific and management staff is carried out in higher education institutions and/or other educational service providers, based on accredited professional training programmes, through:

a) professional training internships in accredited educational and research institutions or organisations in the country and abroad;

b) participation, as partners, in national and international educational and/or research projects;

c) participation with presentations and/or papers at conferences, seminars, symposia, international exhibitions.

As part of continuous professional training achieved through internships in accredited educational and research institutions, teachers in education can obtain professional development credits.