This article deals with S.I. Hessen’s key philosophical and pedagogical ideas and the problem of enhancing Gagauz language teachers’ professional competence. The author examines the philosophical background of a scholar and highlights the key issues in training Gagauz language teachers, whose education is a reflection of national values. The research in this area will contribute to the successful application of traditional socio-normative culture of the Gagauz to improve the effectiveness of modern education, including the teaching of the Gagauz language as a minority one.