For five years now, teachers in the Republic of Moldova have been a top priority for the “Tekwill in Every School” project — an initiative that offers professional development opportunities, recognizes outstanding efforts in transforming the learning process, and encourages the adoption of innovative teaching methods and modern IT courses tailored to the needs of 21st-century students.
This year, as part of efforts to promote digital education and strengthen teachers’ active role in shaping a future-ready generation, six educators from the southern region of the country were awarded the title of “Innovative Teacher.” These teachers demonstrated excellence in using modern technologies, applied creative and interactive teaching approaches, and inspired students to build skills relevant for the careers of tomorrow. Each of them also received a prize of 10,000 MDL in recognition of their exceptional work and dedication.
The “Tekwill in Every School” program is implemented by ATIC. Its activities in southern Moldova are supported by INOTEK – EU Innovation Centre Cahul, under the “Inotek4Cahul” project funded by Sweden.
“Innovative teachers are true leaders of change in education. They don’t just teach — they inspire students to think critically, to experiment, and to develop essential digital skills for the future. Every recognized educator becomes a role model in their community, a catalyst encouraging colleagues to embrace modern and interactive teaching methods and to make the most of technology in the classroom. By supporting them, we are building an educational ecosystem where innovation, creativity, and digitalization become the norm, and students are ready to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.”
— Ana Chirița, Strategic Projects Director, ATIC
“Teachers are the driving force of educational transformation. Every educator who adopts innovative methods, integrates technology into lessons, and nurtures students’ creativity contributes directly to creating an education system that is relevant and adapted to the 21st century. Recognizing their efforts is not just symbolic appreciation — it’s a real investment in education quality and in the future of our children. Events like this show that partnerships between schools, the Ministry, and organizations such as Tekwill and INOTEK generate lasting impact, empowering teachers to become true mentors and role models for future generations.”
— Sergiu Coceaș, Senior Consultant, Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova
“Each innovative teacher honored today is living proof that change in education is possible. Those who embrace modern methods, integrate technology into teaching, and inspire students to learn through creativity and experimentation are transforming schools into dynamic, collaborative environments. At INOTEK, we are committed to continuously supporting these education leaders by providing them with resources, training, and recognition, so that every teacher can influence not only their students but also the entire community — helping to build a digital, courageous, and future-ready generation.”
— Rodica Negru, Deputy Director, INOTEK Foundation
Award Categories of This Year
This year, the “Innovative Teacher” awards were presented in four categories, each highlighting the outstanding contributions of educators who are modernizing the education system and preparing students to face the challenges of the future.
In the “Leader in Shaping Future Professionals” category, the winners were Tatiana Ștefăniță, from “Lucian Blaga” Theoretical High School in Iargara, Leova, and Alexei Banu, from “Academician Ion Bostan” Theoretical High School in Cahul. These teachers have had a significant impact on developing students’ skills through active mentorship and direct involvement in training young talents with visible achievements in the national competition “Tekwill Junior Ambassadors.”
“For me, this title is a confirmation that the effort to change how students learn is not in vain. Every day I try to make my lessons more engaging, to use interactive methods, and to show students that technology is not just a tool, but a gateway to the future,” said Tatiana Ștefăniță, laureate of the “Leader in Shaping Future Professionals” category.
The “Excellence in Innovative Teaching Methods” category was awarded to Maria Popa, from “Lucian Blaga” Theoretical High School in Iargara, and Anna Eremia, from “Iulia Hașdeu” College in Cahul. This award recognizes teachers who have introduced modern and interactive methods — such as the Flipped Classroom model or the use of digital tools including artificial intelligence — fostering critical thinking and creativity among students.
In the “Excellence in School Digitalization” category, the award went to Elena Donea, from “Mihai Eminescu” Gymnasium in Baimaclia, Cantemir, for her outstanding work in implementing digital projects that improved the school’s infrastructure, transforming it into a modern, connected, and innovative learning environment.
The “INOTEK Ambassador” category honored Gheorghe Pădure, from “Iulia Hașdeu” College in Cahul — a teacher distinguished for his active involvement in educational initiatives developed by INOTEK in Cahul, promoting digital education and inspiring both colleagues and students to adopt modern technologies and teaching methods.
“Being an INOTEK Ambassador is both an honor and a responsibility. I’m proud to be part of a community of teachers who actively engage in the educational initiatives developed by INOTEK in Cahul and who share the same values — openness, courage, and innovation. I believe that only through collaboration and the integration of new technologies can we build an education that is relevant for today’s students,” said Gheorghe Pădure, recipient of the “INOTEK Ambassador” award.
About “Tekwill in Every School”
“Tekwill in Every School” is the largest and most innovative educational project in the Republic of Moldova, dedicated to transforming the education system and providing cutting-edge knowledge, resources, and tools. Over four years, the project has connected 572 schools, involving 102,517 students and 3,600 teachers.
