More than a third of the private schools in Bulgaria are innovative. These are a total of 39 educational institutions that show the development of innovative culture, which is not an end in itself, but a means to improve learning and work with children. With these words, the Minister of Education and Science, Prof. Galin Tsokov, opened the fourth consecutive annual meeting of the Bulgarian Association of Private Schools, reports the Ministry of Education and Science (MES).
In this academic year, there are 229 private educational institutions operating, of which 104 are schools and 125 are kindergartens. “These structures have the freedom and opportunity to innovate. This is also one of the main reasons to be part of the change in the education system, which is happening gradually, and with very serious accumulations,” said the minister.
Prof. Tsokov noted that education as a sector develops when there is also internal competition. Modern educational systems are above all the future, related to the introduction of artificial intelligence, technologies, challenges regarding the personal development and technological preparedness of students.
”Private education is an alternative that provides a specific school culture. The implemented innovations also provide more opportunities for creativity in the learning process,” he added.
The ministry’s guests this summer were two private kindergartens, which held an open lesson, demonstrating an innovative teaching approach. Minister Tsokov thanked them and all the teachers who work on programs oriented towards more freedom and building qualities such as adaptability, independence, flexibility and values close to family.
The minister also thanked all the institutions, teachers and experts for their work during the past school year, during which better results were achieved in the education of students. “Our system has shown that there are unused resources and opportunities that can be implemented as long as there is calmness, purposefulness and unity”, added Prof. Tsokov.
According to the president of the Bulgarian Association of Private Schools (BACU) in Bulgaria, Maria Kamenova, a good partnership is extremely valuable for the development of the overall education system. Innovative schools renew traditional teaching methods and provoke students to be active participants in classes. They develop key competencies, critical thinking, increase motivation for learning, which actually develops the system as well,” she noted.
Minister Tsokov presented the president of BACU with a replica of the Rogozen Treasure, made by students of Velizar Peev Elementary School in Svoge.
The Deputy Minister of Education and Science Natalia Miteva actively participated in the moderated discussion after the opening of the forum. Rectors of private universities, heads of regional education departments in the country, representatives of Sofia Municipality and the Association of Industrial Capital in Bulgaria, private educational institutions, experts and students were also present at the event.