Teachers celebrate professional day on October 5

Teachers are marking their professional day today. On this occasion, teachers across the country were congratulated by the country’s leadership.

President Maia Sandu sent a message this morning thanking teachers for the work they do every day and emphasized that schools must prepare children for a world in which artificial intelligence, disinformation and technological change will play an increasingly important role.


“Thank you for the work you do every day for every child. I know from my own experience how much classroom work comes home and how much patience, energy and dedication the teaching profession requires,” Maia Sandu said.


The head of state noted that today’s students will live in a world different from the one in which previous generations grew up, and that the education system must provide them not only with knowledge, but also with the ability to think critically, ask questions, find solutions and adapt.


“That is why schools must provide them not only with solid knowledge, but also with the ability to think critically, ask questions, find solutions and adapt. They must teach students to distinguish truth from manipulation and to use artificial intelligence as a tool, not to replace their own intellectual effort,” Maia Sandu stressed.


The President noted that teachers cannot do this alone and called for better conditions in schools, reduced bureaucracy, professional development opportunities and salaries that reflect the importance of the profession.



Teachers, educators and other employees in the education system were also congratulated and applauded in the plenary session of Parliament.

Speaker Igor Grosu sent a congratulatory message to teachers and everyone working in the field of education.


“Dear professors, teachers, principals, librarians, educational psychologists and speech therapists, we extend our congratulations to everyone employed in the education system!” Igor Grosu said.


The Speaker highlighted the role of educators in shaping several generations and said that the authorities intend to contribute to the development of a strong education system.


“You are the ones guiding entire generations through the honorable mission you carry out, and we, here, commit to building a strong education system together with you,” Igor Grosu said.


Prime Minister Vasile Tofan attended the ceremony dedicated to the Professional Day of Education Workers—Teacher of the Year 2026 Gala. He congratulated the award winners and conveyed a message of appreciation to all teachers in the Republic of Moldova.


“I want to thank you for everything you do for our children. We rely on you to raise curious people who think critically, who can distinguish between truth and falsehood, between good and evil and, perhaps most importantly, people of integrity. There is no more important mission and that is why, as long as this government has the honor and privilege of leading the country, education will remain a priority and investment in education will continue,” Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said.


The relevant authorities announced that, in recent years, measures to attract and retain young people in the teaching profession have been expanded. Allowances granted to young specialists upon employment have been increased and can reach 375,000 lei, depending on their specialization and the locality where they choose to work. At the same time, starting in September 2026, scholarships for students studying education sciences were increased and can reach 4,565 lei per month. This year, 506 young specialists were assigned to schools and kindergartens.

Investment is also targeting teachers already working in the system. Between 2023 and 2026, 12,800 teachers benefited from training opportunities through the “Investing in Teachers” and “Investing in Educators” programs. Programs have been developed to strengthen digital skills, mentoring and the preparation of management teams.

Another area of focus is reducing bureaucracy in schools and kindergartens. Several reports, registers, plans and files have been eliminated, while procedures for the certification and reconfirmation of teaching grades have been simplified. Teachers also have access to more than 22,000 long- and short-term lesson plans and annual theses, reducing the time required to prepare documentation.


“The ministry’s responsibility is to provide you with the conditions and support necessary to perform your profession well. Our principle is simple: less time on paperwork, more time for children. You are responsible every day for what children learn. We are responsible for the conditions in which you do your work. You have the right to demand results from us, and we have a duty to deliver them,” Minister of Education and Research Dan Perciun said.


During the Gala, the 12 winners of Teacher of the Year 2026 contest were awarded in the categories “Educator of the Year,” “Primary Teacher of the Year” and “Teacher of the Year.” Another 14 teachers received commendations and diplomas from the Ministry of Education and Research.

International Teachers’ Day, also known as Education Day, is celebrated annually on October 5 and was established in 1994 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The date marks the signing, in 1966, of the UNESCO/ILO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. The document, together with the UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel, adopted in 1997, constitutes the main international reference framework for addressing the rights and responsibilities of teachers.