Romanian teachers rarely continue with postgraduate studies, according to recent findings
Romania's "Economics of Education and Leadership MBA" Program Addresses Teacher Development and Education Reform
The Bucharest University of Economic Studies (ASE) has launched a new initiative to improve the quality of education in Romania. The "Economics of Education and Leadership MBA" program, targeted at decision-makers from various government sectors, education experts, university professors, school inspectors, mayors, school principals, NGOs, and representatives of the private sector, aims to equip educators with advanced managerial, economic, and leadership competencies needed for modern educational environments.
The program, which launched in October, is a strategic educational initiative aimed at improving both the qualifications and leadership capabilities of educational professionals in Romania. It responds to the recognized problem of the low percentage of postgraduate-qualified teachers in Romania, with only 1.948 out of 240,000 teachers having completed postgraduate studies and courses for the 2022-2023 academic year. This equates to just 0.8% of all teachers at the national level following advanced forms of professional training.
The "Economics of Education and Leadership MBA" program stands out as a significant step towards addressing this issue. It provides an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines economics, education policy, and leadership training to enhance the ability of educators to manage and develop educational institutions effectively. The program is designed to prepare graduates to take on leadership roles within schools and policy-making bodies, thus raising the overall competence and academic level of the teaching workforce.
The program's format is hybrid, with 70% physical sessions and 30% online sessions supported via Zoom. Vasile Alecsandru Strat, Dean of Bucharest Business School, ASE, stated that the professional development of teachers can have a substantial impact on future generations, society, and the economy.
The program is also part of the efforts to reach the goals set out by the National Strategy for Continuing Adult Education in Romania. The strategy aims for Romania to reach a 17.4% rate of adult participation (25-64 years old) in lifelong learning, with the current rate standing at 5.4% in 2022. The program is focused on reforming the education system in Romania and aligns with the "Economics of Education and Leadership MBA" program's goal of contributing to the goals set out by the National Strategy for Continuing Adult Education.
The "Economics of Education and Leadership MBA" program at ASE has a duration of two years, organized over four semesters, and covers 16 modules. The program is still targeted at individuals from the Ministries of Education, Economy, Finance, Defense, and other relevant government sectors, as well as education experts, university professors, school inspectors, mayors, school principals, NGOs, and representatives of the private sector interested in reforming the education system.
In conclusion, the "Economics of Education and Leadership MBA" program at ASE is a valuable initiative aimed at improving the quality of education in Romania. By equipping educators with advanced managerial, economic, and leadership competencies, the program seeks to address the issue of the low percentage of postgraduate-qualified teachers in Romania and contribute to the goals set out by the National Strategy for Continuing Adult Education.
The "Economics of Education and Leadership MBA" program, designed for various professionals, including educators and decision-makers, aims to facilitate personal growth and learning through advanced managerial, economic, and leadership training, contributing to education-and-self-development.
The program's objective is to not only improve the qualifications of educators but also enhance their leadership capabilities, thereby promoting effective management and development of educational institutions for personal-growth and the betterment of the education system.
