Romania's schools face teacher shortage as elite graduates shun teaching careers

Romanian educators warn of a deepening crisis in the school system. Professors such as Ovidiu Mihai Șontea describe a loss of basic classroom discipline and respect, noting that long‑standing norms like timed lessons, proper conduct and responsibility are eroding. The degradation of school climate has made teaching increasingly difficult, and salaries and working conditions are cited as additional deterrents.

At the same time, top‑performing graduates from the country’s leading universities are opting for more lucrative careers in research, finance and abroad rather than entering the teaching profession. This exodus creates an acute shortage of highly qualified teachers, threatening the quality of instruction and the future performance of Romanian students.