Moldova proposes new teacher training model with early practical experience

The Ministry of Education and Research of Moldova has introduced a new Concept for the initial training of teaching staff. Under this proposal, students preparing to become teachers or educators will begin pedagogical practice in their first year of study under the guidance of experienced educators.

Upon graduation, students will be required to pass a practical teaching exam to demonstrate their professional competencies. The Ministry aims to implement this new model starting with the 2027–2028 academic year for new students admitted to education science programs. Current students will complete their studies under existing requirements.

The initiative, presented by Minister of Education and Research Dan Perciun and Viorica Andrițchi of the National Institute for Education and Leadership (INEL), seeks to standardize training across universities and address difficulties students face when applying theoretical knowledge in classrooms. The framework was developed based on analyses of local universities and training models from Austria, Estonia, Finland, and Switzerland.