Today, around 700 first-year students of Armenian State Pedagogical University (ASPU) swore to be faithful to the high and noble calling of a teacher.

The official swearing-in ceremony was attended by Zhanna Andreasyan, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Repulic of Armenia, Chair of the ASPU Board of Trustees, ASPU Rector Srbuhi Gevorgyan, lecturers and students.

Congratulating the students on the important day Zhanna Andreasyan noted that the path they have chosen is not just a process of pursuing and obtaining profession qualification, but an entire mission which, she believes, they have started with great enthusiasm, compassion, and dedication. "With the knowledge gained at ASPU, every day you will be laying one more stone on your path to becoming a good teacher. What you learn during these years will help you later, when you teach children and help the development of our country to be more real and material. Teaching is one of the most complex and difficult, and at the same time, one of the most rewarding jobs: it is impossible to experience the same delight in case of other professions. The choice of the profession and job also testifies to your human qualities and dedication as citizens of Armenia,” the minister said and thanked future teachers for choosing the right profession. She promised to work together to ensure that the education they receive be of the highest quality and competitive, ‘making them the best teachers for our schools and our children.’

Zhanna Andreasyan added that there will be difficulties, but she hopes that they will not discourage or depress the student, rather, they will make them stronger and more competitive. "I am convinced that you will be able to overcome all difficulties with the support of your lecturers and the professional staff of the University. I wish you all to have the best student years, with the expectation of having the best working years in the future," the minister said in conclusion.
She also considered it important and symbolic that the swearing-in ceremony was held within the framework of World Teachers' Day (celebrated annually on October 5), making them part of that larger community.

ASPU Rector Srbuhi Gevorgyan also congratulated the freshmen. She said that the content of the event reflects the University’s daily activities, within the framework of which students' knowledge, socio-cultural, communication skills are formed in the context of the requirements presented to the 21st-century teachers.

The rector is sure that the messages and warm addresses said on the occasion of the day will stay in the emotional memory of the first-year students.
She voiced hope that the students will join the teaching staff in schools following the model that is emphasized as a superlative value when validating educational and professional activity.

Srbuhi Gevorgyan also congratulated the parents and wished that their children see all their dreams embodied at ASPU, including their vision of a model teacher.
"Teacing is not just a job: it is a calling, a service to people and the Homeland. It is the teacher who shapes the thinking of generations, builds the future, transmits values, and inspires the good. This significant day once again proves that education is the greatest pillar of our professional, personal, and social success.

May your oath be not only a reminder, but also a guiding force in your professional and personal lives," Arus Ayvazyan, an MA student of the Faculty of Primary Faculty said in her congratulatory remarks and assured the freshmen that the years of study at ASPU will be years of exploration, discovery, and great achievements.

Gohar Hovyan, Dean of the Faculty of Special and Inclusive Education, also congratulated the first-year students on the memorable day saying that it is the most important day for every student who wants to become a teacher.
The long-time educator reminded that the oath is also a pledge and a message to uphold the honour of the profession in the future and be a model ASPU student while receiving professional education.

Gohar Hovyan is convinced that the day will be remembered by the students for a long time, for many years to come, and will always remind them to remain faithful to the profession of a teacher.

“I swear, Teacher, to listen to the call of centuries, and to the wound of the Armenian soil. Today, we have come to tell you - the great singer of the just rebellion that we are born again and live again…” Hovhannes Gevorgyan, a first-year student of the Faculty of History and Social Science, was the first to take an oath.

The event concluded with a joint traditional round dance (Shourchpar) heralding the new academic year.