In the heart of Bacău, within a room characterised by mirth and recreation, an educator who has elected to function not merely as a teacher, but as a support system, a guide, and a source of illumination for the youngest among us, is engaged in their duties. Maria Chiriloaie is a teacher for early childhood education and, since the autumn of 1998, she has been patiently, gently and passionately shaping whole generations of children.
Maria Chiriloaie is a teacher who eschews the use of loudness in her communication, instead opting for a strategy of non-verbal communication, including gestures, activities and looks directed towards her pupils. Maria Chiriloaie's approach is characterised by a notable inner calm and a consistent approach to her duties, which has led her to become a role model within her field. Within her professional milieu, Maria Chiriloaie serves as a unifying force, fostering a sense of cohesion and collaboration within the teaching collective. For her pupils, she represents the commencement of a profoundly positive journey. Parents, too, recognise her value, trusting that she will nurture their children's growth in a manner that is both values-based and confident.
"The generations she has trained have shown how much commitment and heart she puts into every educational activity", says the director of the "Alecu Russo" Secondary School in Bacău, where Maria works.
High on standards but warm with people, she is a teacher who has created genuine links between children, parents and the kindergarten, constantly involved in educational projects, symposia, methodical committees and partnerships that have brought value to the whole educational community.
"Every child needs examples and boundaries, and when these are provided in a formal setting and continued at home, everything works harmoniously," she explains.
Maria Chiriloaie firmly believes that early education is the foundation of a successful life. She believes in learning through play, experimentation and active involvement. In her classroom, children don't just rehearse, they discover. They don't just play, they grow, they learn, they take wings.
"We started from the idea that early education is about activating a child's native potential, and experiential learning is the main way we help them discover the truths of the world," she says with conviction.
A graduate of the Pedagogical High School in Bacău, she continued her studies with the Pedagogy of Primary and Pre-school Education and, recently, with the College of Teachers. Learning, for her, never stopped. She remained connected to the times, to the needs of children and parents, without losing the essence: unconditional love for children.
"When you see a child applying the values you've passed on to them in their behavior, you know you've achieved your goal. The main way of working in kindergarten is play. And here I play with children with educational goals."
Maria Chiriloaie is a trailblazer. A mentor, a guide and a role model. With a vocation turned into art, she gives little ones the ideal start in life.
Education starts with love, patience and an exceptional teacher. Maria Chiriloaie is one of them. In 2025, Maria Chiriloaie is enrolled in the "Exceptional Teachers League" campaign run by the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania. Until May 31, anyone can nominate a teacher who has changed their life on www.fundatiadanvoiculescu.ro.
