Romania faces teacher shortages and school dropout risks

The Bucharest School Inspectorate (ISMB) has identified significant risks to the education system in its management plan for the 2026-2027 school year. Key concerns include high rates of absenteeism and early school leaving, alongside a critical shortage of qualified teachers in subjects such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, informatics, and early childhood education. The report highlights that many educators are migrating to better-paying sectors, while others face burnout and inadequate social recognition.

Nationwide, a program designed to prevent school dropouts, known as PRIMII, has seen low participation due to scheduling conflicts. The Ministry of Education launched the program with a deadline that overlapped with the competitive examination process for school directors. Consequently, only 709 out of 1,487 eligible schools applied for funding. In Sibiu County, for instance, only 19 out of 50 eligible schools submitted applications, suggesting that administrative burdens may be preventing vulnerable schools from accessing necessary resources.