Moldova - Teaching Profession

According to UNESCO statistics, in 1996 there were a total of 18,395 preprimary teachers (all females), 14,097 primary teachers (of which 13,731 were females), 28,615 secondary teachers (of which 20,832 were females), and 8,814 tertiary level teachers (of which 3,928 were females). In 1990 there were 61 teachers at all levels per 1,000 people of the nonagricultural labor force. This ratio was down to 44 per 1,000 in 1996.

All teachers must complete further training in pedagogy through the "Ion Creanga" State Pedagogical State University of Moldova or its affiliates. The continuing education of the teachers is undertaken by the Division of Teacher Training within the Ministry of Education and Science. The Division of Teacher Training has four centers. These are the Center for training and qualifying technical instructors at The Technical University of Moldova, the Center for New Information Technologies at the Ministry, the Center for Training and Economic Assistance at The Academy of Economic Sciences, and the Center of Post University Studies at the University of Moldova.

In 2000, teachers were struggling with receiving salaries regularly and it was the norm for the salaries to be delayed by a few months. Strikes among teachers, once nonexistent, are becoming more common. For example, in March 2000 every Moldovan public school went on a strike. Teachers have formed unions and associations.