On March 14, over 300 educators, experts, and representatives from Bulgaria’s education system gathered online to discuss the critical need for effective mentoring for new teachers. The event, “When Teachers Are Students: A New Look at Mentoring,” focused on the importance of structured support for novice teachers, especially during the early stages of their careers.
Participants concluded that mentorship should prioritize support over control, fostering an environment where young teachers feel trusted and motivated. Deputy Minister of Education, Maria Gaidarova, emphasized that new teachers need a mentor they can consult freely, while Dr. Yuliyan Petrov, from the Education Trade Union of LC “Podkrepa,” warned that a lack of mentoring leads many teachers to leave the profession early.
Teach For Bulgaria’s CEO, Trayan Trayanov, highlighted the need for ongoing support to ensure that novice teachers are equipped to succeed. Early findings from the NEST project demonstrate that effective mentoring is a collaborative process that benefits both mentors and mentees, with trust as the foundation for successful mentorship.
By improving mentorship practices, Bulgaria hopes to address the high dropout rates among new teachers and strengthen the education system for future generations.
