A new profession, “Educational Mediation,” has been approved for inclusion in the List of Professions for Vocational Education and Training

The List of Professions for Vocational Education and Training, updated by Order of the Minister of Education dated August 21, 2024, now includes the profession “Educational Mediation.” This allows vocational high schools and Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) to offer training in Level III Vocational Qualification in this field. This achievement is significant, as the initial version published by the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) for public consultation did not include this profession. Center Amalipe, along with dozens of schools, teachers, and mediators, submitted their opinions during the procedure and received support from the MES and Minister Tsokov. What does the inclusion of this new profession mean for schools and mediators themselves?

On June 28, the MES published the List of Professions for Vocational Education and Training for public consultation. Once again, the profession “Educational Mediator” was absent, despite proposals from the Union of Bulgarian teachers and Association of Industrial Capital in Bulgaria (AIKB) since 2022. The proposal was particularly relevant given the appointment of over 1000 educational mediators in schools and kindergartens nationwide. Center Amalipe submitted its opinion proposing the inclusion of the profession “Educational Mediation” and called on schools, kindergartens, educational mediators, teachers, and all stakeholders in quality education to submit their proposals or support an online petition. During the public consultation process, the petition was supported by 431 citizens.

The profession “Educational Mediation” is included under code 011302 in the vocational direction 0113 “Educational Preparation without Subject Specialization.” Training is planned to be at Level III of vocational qualification. All vocational high schools and VTCs will be able to offer training in this profession, likely starting from the 2026/2027 academic year. Until then, all necessary documents required for Level III vocational training should be prepared.

For educational mediators, this success will provide numerous opportunities for improved training and qualification, enabling them to perform their duties and responsibilities even more professionally. Equally important, this inclusion will further strengthen the authority and sustainability of the profession.

Since 2018, schools and kindergartens across the country have begun appointing educational mediators as non-pedagogical staff actively engaging with parents and local communities. Mediators quickly demonstrated the necessity of this position by actively participating in activities to ensure comprehensive coverage and prevent school dropouts. Initially, the MES provided funding for the appointment of educational mediators through systemic projects such as “Support for Success” and “Active Inclusion in Early Childhood Education.” Following their conclusion and upon insistence from the Network of Educational Mediators and Center Amalipe, a National Program to Support Educational Mediators was introduced, fully funded by the state budget from July 2023 through targeted financing under Article 52a of the Financing Regulation. Thus, since January 2024, all schools and kindergartens focusing on vulnerable groups receive special resources for appointing educational mediators, social workers, and teacher assistants—a total of 1260 positions.

Center Amalipe expresses gratitude to the MES for including the profession “Educational Mediation” in the List of Professions for Vocational Education and Training! We appeal for the prompt preparation of all necessary accompanying documents so that vocational high schools and VTCs can commence training in this profession as soon as possible!

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