The main issue being discussed in Bulgaria at this time, is the inclusion of Roma children into early education programs. These children are suffering due to their lack of exposure to early childhood education and are, in some cases, not even continuing on to grade school. The gap between Roma children and the rest of the population is great and closing that gap seems to be of the highest priority in the Bulgarian school systems.
In regards to early childhood professionals, my contact believes that Bulgarian teachers are well-educated and effective teachers. One hundred percent of all early education professionals in Bulgaria have received training in their field. In most cases, teachers hold either a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Early Childhood Studies. Children also do not begin kindergarten until they are six or seven years old. This gives teachers more time to properly prepare them for grade school, as well as giving the children more time to enjoy their childhood. Teachers in Bulgaria are also in constant contact with parents. This means that they are consistently reporting to them, (once a week), and compile a pedagogical profile on each child at the end of the year pinpointing their development. Because of these requirements, teachers are well-versed in what is developmentally appropriate for their students and more in tune with how to speak to child development with parents.
My contact spends a lot of his time attending professional development seminars all over the world. These workshops and conferences are often attended by early childhood directors, but teachers are also in attendance. He was not specific about a required number of hours, however, all of the teachers are highly educated and qualifies. He was shocked to hear that in some cases in the United States, early childhood educators do not even hold an Associate's degree.
My contact believes that he has met most of his professional goals. He hopes to help the Roma population integrate into mainstream schools, although he doesn't seem particularly hopeful about the outcome. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this man, and plan to continue my communication with him as long as possible.
If the children living in Roma do not continue receiving an education, what do you think will happen to them?
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you had a great experience with this project and had learned so much from him.
ReplyDeleteI think it is great that the teachers in Bulgaria hold either a Bachelor's Degree or a Master's Degree and it is required for them to teach. I feel that the more education one has the more wisdom they can pass on to the future generations. I like the way that the teachers are always in constant contact with the parents and let them know on a weekly basis what is going on. Did your contact mention anything about parents volunteering in the classroom?
I truly appreciate what I learned from your blog.
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed reading your posts. I'm so glad you had this contact to learn new information about educators in Bulgaria. It's interesting to see the similarities and differences in education in different countries. Here in the United States, I feel that we are pushing our children to begin Kindergarten earlier and I noticed that in Bulgaria they don't start until age 6 or 7. As early intervention is key to a child's success, however, I do feel allowing children a couple more years before starting Kindergarten would give some children the opportunity to grow and mature before starting.
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