Mihaela Gheorghe, a teacher in the village of Cislău, was named ‘Teacher of the Year 2025’ in a national campaign organised by the Zurli Foundation, supported by the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania as an educational partner. The award was given for her outstanding contribution to the development of a modern and inclusive educational environment in a rural area.

Mihaela Gheorghe is recognised for applying teaching methods focused on children's needs, promoting a positive classroom environment and actively involving herself in the school community. The class she coordinates, symbolically named ‘Zurli Class’, is an example of good practice in education, with an emphasis on learning through play, socio-emotional development and the use of interactive materials.

The award granted by the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania, as part of the ‘Teacher of the Year 2025’ campaign, includes a package of modern educational equipment designed to support the teaching process. The students in the class received STEM materials that encourage creativity and applied learning, adapted to the current requirements of education.

At the same time, Mihaela Gheorghe was selected among the 20 finalists of the national campaign Exceptional Teachers League, organised by the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania, dedicated to promoting teachers with notable achievements in the Romanian education system. The voting stage is currently underway: the 20 finalists are being voted for by the general public on vot.fundatiadanvoiculescu.ro by the public.

Through such initiatives, the two foundations reaffirm their commitment to supporting excellence in education, with a focus on promoting teachers who make a real impact, regardless of the environment in which they work.