On 30 October 2026, a representative of the National Association of Resource Teachers (NARU) took part in a regional conference held in Stara Zagora to mark the 20th anniversary of the Regional Center for Support of the Inclusive Education Process (RCSEPI) – Stara Zagora.

The conference was organized by RCSEPI – Stara Zagora and brought together professionals, parents and partners committed to advancing inclusive education.

The presentation delivered by NARU was entitled “Innovation, Partnership and Professionalism in Support of Inclusive Education.” It addressed several key topics:

🔹 Progress in Bulgaria: nearly 27,000 children and students with special educational needs (SEN), support teams in every school, the implementation of the ICF-CY-based functional assessment, and the shift in focus from ensuring access to education towards improving its quality.

🔹 Legislative developments in 2026: amendments to Ordinance No. 4 on the School Curriculum and the Ordinance on Inclusive Education, highlighting the importance of ensuring that practitioners’ voices are heard throughout these processes.

🔹 Key challenges: a shortage of specialists, inconsistent practices across the country, the need for more practice-oriented professional development, and better coordination between institutions.

🔹 NARU’s five recommendations for education policy, including the establishment of sustainable mechanisms for professional training and supervision.

Particular emphasis was placed on the role of Regional Centers as regional hubs of expertise, supporting the development and implementation of inclusive education.

NARU also proposed concrete opportunities for cooperation with the region, including professional learning communities, practical training, methodological resources, and stronger links with universities and non-governmental organizations.

As highlighted in the presentation:

“Innovation gives us better tools, partnership gives us strength, and professionalism earns us trust. At the heart of everything we do are the dignity, potential and right to development of every child.”

We would like to thank the team of RCSEPI – Stara Zagora for the invitation and the excellent organization of this meaningful event!

Our sincere thanks also go to all the colleagues, parents and partners with whom we had the opportunity to share this special day and exchange ideas for the future of inclusive education.