site.btaEducation Minister Awards 50 Teachers for Successful Practices in Educational Integration of Children from Vulnerable Groups

During a national conference on Friday, Education Minister Galin Tsokov awarded 50 teachers for successful practices they have developed for the educational integration and inclusion of students from vulnerable groups, the Ministry’s press centre said.

Funding for work with students from vulnerable groups has increased by 35% in the last three years, amounting BGN 48 million for 2024, Tsokov said, adding that however better opportunities could be sought for small schools to participate in national programmes. He noted that the Ministry of Education has already provided funding for schools, which allocate funds from their budgets to hire mediators to help with children’s integration. In addition, mediators are now included in the list of professions for which vocational education and training is provided.

"You contribute a lot to the education and also to the personal development of students," said the Minister. According to him, good practices will help to change the curricula, can be adapted to each school and to the students’ specifics. "We need to build a network of like-minded people to multiply your achievements and encourage innovation in all schools," Tsokov added.

During the conference, teachers showed how they work to help every child and student get educated and socialized. Highlights of the practices were teamwork of students and teachers, application of innovations, project-based learning, use of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, education through art, sports and various initiatives.

A total of 111 entries were selected in the competition for practices for inclusive education, organized by the Education Ministry. The 50 winning teachers received certificates and book vouchers. The Syndicate of Bulgarian Teachers also awarded them two credits for a professional qualification degree.

Among the awarded teachers were Stoyanka Miteva and Gergana Koleva from a primary school in the village of Exarch Antimovo in Burgas, who work together and are the authors of the largest number of educational resources in the Education Ministry’s Digital Backpack.