Initial teacher training in Romania - a critical view

Romanian school has a long tradition in teacher training, teaching profession being exercised and valued over time by great personalities from scientific and cultural field. Initial pedagogical training had many forms of which we can mention: training teachers who work in pre-school and primary school, training teachers who teach various disciplines, training of specialists in educational sciences. We are currently confronted with a change of vision in terms of teacher training in Romania. Although the skills needed to perform this profession are well defined, the initial training system is changing. From teaching seminaries to the Bologna system, we are faced today with a new and different model - Masters Degrees in Education. Even though the new educational law stipulates that initial teacher training will be provided by education and teaching master degrees, their organizational form and curriculum are at the very least questionable. One of the objectives set by the European Union in Europe 2020 Strategy refers to smart growth through more efficient investment in education, research and innovation. In addition to this, European educational policies formulate specific objectives aimed at: improving quality and efficiency of education and training systems in the EU, improving the quality of education and training for teachers and trainers, develop new skills of knowing society, ensuring access to ICT for teachers. Thus, the initial teacher training should be modern, encompassing expertise in science and education, exchange of ethical issues and active involvement. The article aims to present an analysis of the skills needed to perform the teaching profession, the European reconunendations in view of preparing for the teaching profession, and European training standards and models implemented by other countries. Also, the article will consider the new legislation, with both its positive and negative aspects, and will offer suggestions with regards to the initial training of teachers in a coherent system that is adapted to the particular social context of Romania (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of the University of Pitesti, Romania