The Center for Positive Education was established in 2024 by Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” in partnership with the Regional Department of Education – Varna and the Municipality of Varna.
The Center adopts two main approaches to education: fostering academic achievements and abilities, and developing character and well-being.
These two approaches complement each other and simultaneously enhance the effect of their application. This method, practiced since ancient times, is empirically confirmed by modern science. Academic achievements contribute to well-being by increasing engagement, meaning, and accomplishment. Programs and practices designed to improve well-being by developing strengths and character virtues also contribute to academic achievements.
The goals of positive education are widely shared both within individual societies and worldwide. Scientific research has identified various character strengths and virtues—such as curiosity, self-control, and kindness—that are valued by all cultures and religions because of their contribution to individual and societal prosperity.
Mission:
The Center for Positive Education aims to create an environment that promotes personal development, emotional intelligence, and academic success for every student. Through innovative educational programs and methods, the Center will cultivate a positive school culture that enables all participants in the process to achieve their full potential.
Vision:
Our vision is to become a national leader in the field of positive education, inspiring and supporting educational institutions throughout the country. We strive to create a society in which education is synonymous with happiness, well-being, and success.
Goals:
- Developing a positive school culture: Creating a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
- Enhancing emotional intelligence: Training students and teachers to acquire skills in self-regulation, empathy, and effective communication.
- Strengthening mental health: Providing resources and programs to prevent and address mental health issues.
- Improving academic achievements: Developing and implementing innovative teaching methods that stimulate curiosity and critical thinking.
- Building partnerships: Collaborating with schools, universities, NGOs, and other interested parties to achieve shared goals.
Activities:
- Teacher training: Organizing seminars and workshops to develop teaching skills aligned with the principles of positive education.
- Programs for students: Designing and implementing various programs aimed at developing emotional intelligence, leadership qualities, and social skills.
- Consultations: Providing individual and group consultations for students, teachers, and parents.
- Research: Conducting scientific research on the effectiveness of different methods and programs in positive education.
- Dissemination of knowledge: Publishing articles, books, and other materials related to positive education.
- Creating a partner network: Establishing contacts with other organizations working in the fields of education and mental health.
How the Center Can Help Schools:
- Developing individualized development plans: Collaborating with school teams to create plans that address each school’s specific needs and objectives.
- Providing methodological materials: Creating and sharing an extensive collection of resources to support teachers in their work.
- Participation in joint projects: Initiating and taking part in various projects that enrich the learning process and strengthen the bond between the school and the local community.
- Organizing trainings and seminars: Offering a range of trainings and seminars that enable teachers to familiarize themselves with the latest trends in positive education.
How the Center Can Help Students:
- Developing life skills: Supporting students in cultivating stress management, decision-making, and healthy relationship-building skills.
- Boosting self-esteem: Creating an environment where each student feels accepted and appreciated, regardless of their strengths and weaknesses.
- Encouraging curiosity and creativity: Offering diverse opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop their talents.
How the Center Can Help Parents:
- Providing information: Creating opportunities to educate parents on the importance of positive education and how they can support their children.
- Organizing parent meetings: Hosting specialized meetings where current topics related to upbringing and education can be discussed.
- Consultations: Offering individual consultations to parents who need guidance and support.
Management
Rumen Stamatov
Head
Rumen Stamatov – Professor of Psychology at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” and Head of the specializations in Positive Psychology and Positive Education. Author of scientific research and books on positive psychology, mental well-being, strengths, gratitude, resilience, and self-control. Head of a team creating a program for developing mental well-being in schools.
Eleonora Tankova
Co-founder and Head
Eleonora Tankova – Vice-Rector for Institutional Cooperation and Development at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar,” PhD in Economics and Associate Professor in Globalization of Development, with scientific research in the fields of education and innovation. She has extensive experience as an expert in projects aimed at improving university entrepreneurial and innovation infrastructure.
Team
Prof. Todorka Kostadinova, D.I. – Director of the “Accreditation, Quality and Project Activity” Directorate, Medical University - Varna
Nikolinka Daskalova – Chief Secretary of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”
Dimitrina Vachkova – Senior Expert for Primary Education at the Regional Department of Education – Varna
Ivelina Krasteva – Chief Expert “Kindergartens,” Municipality of Varna
Tsveta Stoyanova – Psychologist, Career Consultant
Positive Education in School
Pilot Project at “Geo Milev” Secondary School, Varna (2022-2023)
The pilot project to establish positive education at school was carried out between 2022 and 2023 at “Geo Milev” Secondary School in Varna.
This project is innovative for Bulgaria’s educational system. It introduced the first comprehensive methodology for positive education, covering a range of programs and activities related to developing strengths, happiness, social and educational skills, and fostering a positive school culture.
The methodology explores changes in the attitudes of students, teachers, and parents towards positive education and the importance of well-being and health in school. It also examines students’ social competencies in the context of digitalization.
Children’s psychological well-being is placed at the core of this approach. This not only affects their mental health but also supports their success, helps them cope with various challenges, and improves their overall results.
The program utilizes the strengths of students, teachers, and their parents. It develops strategies for creating an integrated approach involving both family and school to ensure children’s satisfaction and well-being.
Joint activities include teacher training sessions, parent lectures, and the implementation of a well-being program for students.
Feedback on the Project’s Impact
Under the guidance of Prof. Rumen Stamatov, “Geo Milev” Secondary School continues to develop and strengthen the idea of positive education and the well-being of the school community. More and more teachers, students, and parents are embracing and applying the concepts of positive relationships, positive emotions, positive engagement, positive meaning, and goals based on character strengths.
The professional support of Prof. Stamatov is extremely valuable, as parents grow and learn how to be parents alongside their children. Working with Prof. Stamatov provides valuable tools for parents to better understand their children, help them explore the world around them, and find their place in it.
The active affirmation of positive educational models clearly leads to children’s well-being. The significance of vision, depth, compassion, and responsibility for the future are embedded in the model of positive education led by Prof. Rumen Stamatov in collaboration with the “Geo Milev” Secondary School team.
Contribution to Varna
The pilot project has led to a transformation of the educational environment in Varna and has significantly contributed to improving the level of training for psychology students at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar.”
The project results are presented in four scientific studies and include the conceptual foundations and content of positive education, as well as programs and workbooks designed to assist teachers and guide students in independent work.
Varna Award
An individual “Varna” Award was presented to Prof. Dr. Sc. (D.Sc.) Rumen Stamatov in the field of science and higher education for 2024, in the research area “Humanities,” for:
- His overall contribution and significant achievements in teaching, research, and practical work for the development of positive education and the social and educational competencies of students;
- His successful establishment of a positive school culture under the Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” project, “Positive Education in School.”