Respected teachers and distinguished guests,
Goof morning!
It is with great pleasure that I stand before you today to mark the Education Week in Moldova. This week provides us with a crucial opportunity to reflect on the significance of education and to celebrate the strides we have made in ensuring quality education for all children, regardless of their background or circumstances.
As we embark on this journey, I would like to emphasise how important it is to recognize the pivotal role that teachers play in shaping the future of our society. Teachers are not just educators; they are mentors, leaders, and champions of change.
Despite their critical role, we often hear that teachers do not feel valued. And I’m not referring only to Moldova. In fact, across the OECD countries, only 1 out of every 4 teachers feels that they are valued in society on average (TALIS 2018), and this drops to less than 1 in 10 in some countries.
We expect much more from our teachers than what appears in their job description. We want them to be both passionate and compassionate, and foster a culture of social cohesion and collaboration in the classroom.
The teacher’s role is pivotal in fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment that empowers children to become active participants in their own education and prepares them to thrive and become dynamic, informed European citizens in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. In order to do all of this, teachers too need support, and the creation of a network of mentor-trainers will contribute to enhancing the quality of education.
UNICEF is proud to be supporting professional development through the newly established National Institute for Education & Leadership (INEL) and develop a normative framework regarding the continuous professional training of teachers, managers, and mentors to be implemented nation-wide. From this perspective, INEL is not just another institution; it represents the reimagining of the future of education in the simplest and most meaningful way. The capacity of 1000 mentors will be enhanced, and upgrades to NIEL facilities and equipment for enhanced service delivery will be supported by UNICEF.
Moreover, INEL will serve as a hub for innovation, research, and policy development, driving forward-thinking strategies that address the evolving needs of learners and educators. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth, the institute is expected to catalyze positive transformation at all levels of the education system.
The establishment of a comprehensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) framework for teachers is a testament to our collective efforts to empower educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in today's ever-evolving educational landscape. This framework covers essential areas such as educational leadership, mentoring, coaching, and innovative pedagogic approaches, ensuring that teachers are equipped to meet the diverse needs of their students.
These initiatives are not just about improving individual teaching practices; they are about enhancing the overall attractiveness of the teaching profession and reducing brain-drain.
The impact of strong educational leadership extends far beyond the confines of school walls. By investing in teachers, Moldova is investing in its children.
In closing, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who have contributed to these efforts. Together, we can build a brighter future for the children of Moldova, one where every child has access to quality education and every teacher has the support they need to succeed.
