Shortage of teaching staff in general education decreasing in recent years

The number of vacant teaching positions in general education institutions in the Republic of Moldova is decreasing, according to the Ministry of Education and Research (MEC). According to data presented by local specialized education authorities, for the 2026–2027 academic year there are 1,365 vacant teaching positions with a workload of more than 14 hours per week on an open-ended basis.

According to the MEC, an analysis of the evolution of this indicator over the last five years shows a constant downward trend. Compared to the previous year, when 1,540 vacancies were recorded, their number has decreased by about 12%. Compared to the situation two years ago (1,833 positions), the drop is about 26%.

The highest number of vacant teaching positions is recorded in the municipalities of Chișinău (273) and Comrat (88), as well as in the districts in the central area of the country: Ungheni (88), Cimișlia (85), Nisporeni (84), Anenii Noi (65), Hâncești (63).

In 2025, a record number of 426 young specialists were employed in schools and kindergartens, marking the highest response so far to the Ministry of Education and Research’s call to join the education system. In 2024, 404 young people were employed in educational institutions, in 2023 – 365, and in 2022 – 296.

Of the total number of young hires, most opted for positions as primary school teacher (89), early childhood educator (74), Romanian language teacher (36), and history teacher (23). In terms of regional distribution, most graduates chose to work in institutions in Chișinău, Gagauzia, Bălți, Orhei and Ialoveni.

The MEC explained that this dynamic is influenced, among other factors, by policies aimed at attracting and retaining teaching staff in the system. Benefits of the teaching profession include a one-time allowance of up to 300,000 lei for teachers, a 75% reduced teaching load during the first five years of activity, compensation for teaching materials, support for housing expenses in rural areas, annual leave of up to 62 days, as well as mentoring provided by an experienced teacher.