The Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania launches the 2026 edition of the national campaign "Exceptional Teachers League", an initiative dedicated to the public recognition of teachers who change education through what they do, day by day, in the classroom. These are the teachers who go beyond conventional teaching, who adapt their methods to the reality of their students and who transform the educational process into a space of genuine motivation, curiosity and evolution.

The campaign brings to the spotlight those teachers who, through constant involvement, creativity and perseverance, manage to make a real impact in education, to identify solutions where the system is limited and to create opportunities where resources seem insufficient.

Looking for teachers who make a difference

In every educational community there are teachers who leave a deep mark on the lives of their students. It is those teachers who make their subject relevant, who stimulate critical thinking, who support children in difficulty, and who turn a lack of resources into an engine of creativity.

"The Exceptional Teachers League" is about these people - about teachers who inspire by example, who build genuine relationships with their students and who contribute, day in and day out, to the formation of future generations.

Who can make a nomination?

In the national campaign "Exceptional Teachers League", teachers from Romania can also apply individually, by filling in the application form, accompanied by a description of the activity and the educational impact, according to the Official Rules.

At the same time, anyone can nominate an outstanding teacher: students, parents, colleagues, former graduates or community members. Each nomination is a form of public appreciation for the hard work, dedication and positive influence teachers have on education in Romania.

A gesture of recognition

Nominating a teacher is not just a step in a competition, but a genuine act of recognition. All teachers entered in the campaign will be contacted by the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania, will receive the messages of appreciation sent on their behalf and an honorary diploma.

It's a form of validation that reaches people directly and often has a deep emotional value beyond any material prize.

Exceptional teachers are changing the world. Help us discover them!

In order to celebrate teachers who inspire and shape destinies, candidates will be assessed on the basis of clear, transparent and easy to follow criteria. The application process is accessible and every teacher has the chance to be recognized for the real impact they make in education and in their community.

The impact and the results

The assessment of candidates will consider:

• Innovative educational methods - using approaches that are modern, creative and adapted to the students;
• Outstanding student achievements - performance in relevant competitions, competitions or projects;
• Developing future leaders - supporting pupils to become active citizens, researchers or opinion leaders;
• Educational contributions - articles, materials or initiatives that add value to the education system;
• Supporting pupils in difficulty - involvement in keeping children in the education system;
• Extra-curricular activities - projects that supplement formal education and develop pupils' potential.

What do we offer?

In addition to membership in the Exceptional Teachers League community, the honorary title of Exceptional Teacher and national visibility, the winners will receive prizes to support their educational work:

🏆 First place – 30.000 lei
🥈 Second place – 20.000 lei
🥉 Third place – 10.000 lei

Additionally, the 20 finalists will receive pedagogical resources, digital equipment and access to training opportunities to continue their educational mission with impact and inspiration.

How does the campaign work?

The campaign runs from February to July 2026 and includes the following stages:

• Stage 1 - Registration: February 2 - June 7
• Stage 2 - Evaluation of applications and designation of the 20 finalists: June 8 - 14
• Stage 3 - Public vote for finalists: June 15 - July 15
• Stage 4 - Awards Ceremony - Exceptional Teachers Gala: July 16

Teachers who make a difference deserve to be seen and recognized. The "Exceptional Teachers League" creates the framework through which real impact in education is brought to the forefront, evaluated against clear and transparent criteria. The application process is accessible, and each candidate has the opportunity to be recognized for their genuine contribution to the training of students and the evolution of Romanian schools.