ABOUT

Our project is driven by a multifaceted and compelling motivation rooted in the transformative potential it holds for STEM education within the European landscape, with a particular focus on addressing critical gaps in teacher training and pedagogical approaches. The overarching motivation is grounded in the recognition of a rapidly evolving educational paradigm, marked by the growing integration of STEM education into schools – according to the National Strategy for Recovery and Sustainability (https://web.mon.bg/bg/100886) – every school should have a STEM center and teachers should have the abilities to work with the newest innovative STEM technologies. This transformative shift brings with it both immense opportunities and challenges, particularly in Europe, where the specialized technical training of educators and students studying for future teaching roles is identified as insufficient.
The educational ecosystem is witnessing an increased emphasis on the importance of STEM education, reflected in the investment in material resources and classroom equipment to facilitate the teaching of STEM knowledge.
This complex backdrop forms the core motivation for our project as we aspire to rectify these deficiencies and pave the way for a new era in STEM education. The inspiration stems from a detailed analysis of the current situation of teacher training in higher education and its alignment with the contemporary challenges of school education. Our project envisions a comprehensive and innovative response to this educational landscape, not only addressing the immediate needs but also
anticipating future requirements. The significance of funding for this project lies in its potential to create a paradigm shift in STEM education across European countries. The funding would empower us to implement a robust curriculum, faculty training programs, and international collaborations that are essential components of our transformative initiative.
Also, another motivation for this STEM project is an upcoming initiative, announced by the Minister of Education, Prof. Galin Tsokov, which is set to train 38,000 teachers in Bulgaria in STEM education and competency-driven methods. By investing in this project, funders would contribute directly to the European Union’s broader objectives of advancing
education, fostering innovation, and addressing skills mismatches in the labour market. The project aligns seamlessly with the EU’s commitment to creating a knowledge-based economy, ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of global innovation and competitiveness.
In essence, the motivation behind the project is rooted in a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and
opportunities inherent in the evolving landscape of STEM education. The call for funding is a call to action, an invitation to invest in a transformative initiative that has the potential to shape the future of STEM education in Europe.