Social and Emotional Skills Development in Childhood

Nadia Koltcheva

Nadia Koltcheva, PhD, is a psychologist, and associate professor at the Department of Cognitive Science and Psychology, New Bulgarian University, Sofia, Bulgaria. She has many years of research and applied experience in the fields of developmental psychology, developmental psychopathology, educational psychology, assessment, assessment measures development, translations and adaptation. She has worked on numerous research and applied projects (Erasmus+, Horizon 2020, etc.). Since 2017, Nadia Koltcheva is an International Affiliate at the Rohner Center for the Study of Interpersonal Acceptance and Rejection, University of Connecticut, USA. Since 2012, she is a member of the International Society of Interpersonal Acceptance and Rejection (ISIPAR), 2022-2024 she is the ISIPAR President. She is the Bulgaria representative of the European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA); a member of the European Network for Social and Emotional Competence (ENSEC), Network of Experts working on the Social dimension of Education and Training (NESET), The Bulgarian Psychological Society. Her research interests are childhood development, human relationships, social-emotional competencies, psychological testing and assessment. She is the author of many scientific publications.

E-mail: nkoltcheva@nbu.bg

Webpage: https://kognitivna-nauka-i-psihologija.nbu.bg/bg/prepodavateli/gl-as-d-r-nadq-kolcheva

Dimitar Petrov

Dimitar Petrov is a senior assistant professor at the Department of Informatics, New Bulgarian University since 2021. Previously, he was a part-time lecturer in the same department from 2018 to 2021. His teaching work at the university includes courses in software technologies with C#, mobile application development, and others. Dr. Petrov is an author of a textbook on cross-platform application development with Flutter. His research interests are related to security and best practices in mobile application development and implementation of AI in web- and mobile applications. Currently, his research program includes exploring the possibilities of AI-based personality assessment and its application in education and the social sphere. In addition, he is actively involved in social and civic projects aimed at spreading knowledge, volunteering, and developing culture, art, and traditions.

E-mail: dpetrov@nbu.bg

Margarita Pavlova

Margarita Pavlova is an assistant professor at the Department of Cognitive Science and Psychology at New Bulgarian University, where she obtained a BA in Psychology and an MA in Developmental Psychology. She received her Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Kansas in 2022. Her research interests are in the role of analogical reasoning in learning and other cognitive processes in both children and adults. Currently, her research program is invested in understanding how analogical comparison and self-explanation affect learning and knowledge transfer. Since the summer of 2020, Margarita has been co-organizing and co-chairing the Analogical Minds Seminar – an international online seminar series on analogy.

Email: mvpavlova@nbu.bg

Francisco Machado

Francisco Machado is a psychologist and full member of the Portuguese Psychologists’ Association, specializing in School and Educational Psychology as well as Clinical and Health Psychology. Since 2001, he has been a lecturer and researcher at the University of Maia (ISMAI), where he also supervises academic and professional internships in his fields of expertise. From 2010 to 2020, he served as the coordinator of the master's program in School and Educational Psychology at the University of Maia. He is an active member of CEIS20, the Research Centre of the University of Coimbra, and the Center for the Study of Interpersonal Acceptance and Rejection (CSIAR) at the University of Connecticut, USA. His research focuses on interpersonal acceptance and rejection, school violence, social-emotional competencies, career guidance, and the role of technology and the digital world in education and development. Additionally, he has coordinated and participated in various nationally and internationally funded projects (ERASMUS+) in the field of School and Educational Psychology.

Email: Fmachado@umaia.pt

Helena Azevedo

Helena Azevedo has a PhD in Psychology in the field of Educational Psychology from the School of Psychology of the University of Minho. Her PhD was focused on early reading difficulties and the evaluation of an intervention in reading fluency difficulties. She had professional experience as a school psychologist and currently she is an auxiliar professor at the University of Maia (UMAIA). She also had experience in the training of teachers and psychologists in several areas such as inclusive education, social and emotional learning, and reading development. She participated in projects in the field of Educational Psychology related to inclusive education, well-being, and reading disabilities. She has published several scientific papers in the area of inclusive education and reading disabilities.

Email: hazevedo@umaia.pt

Mónica Soares

Mónica Soares is a psychologist, higher education lecturer, researcher, school and family mediator and emotional and parental educator. She has been working in the field of psychology and education since 2006. She has a doctorate in psychology and is a full member of the Portuguese Psychologists’ Association, specializing in Educational Psychology and Clinical and Health Psychology. She has a postgraduate degree in Psychology in Health Centers and in Conflict Mediation in the School Context. She has international certifications in Kids and Teen Coaching and Emotional Education for children and young people, as well as Profiler training. She has also worked in the area of parental training and education, and is certified to develop national and international parental education programs. She is currently an invited Assistant Professor at the Paula Frassinetti School of Education and an invited Assistant Professor at the University of Maia. She is a member of the Research Center in Developmental Psychology (CIPD) as an integrated researcher, and also collaborates with the research group Comunidade Prática de Ensino e Inovação Pedagógica (FPCEUP). As a trainer, she is certified by the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training, the Scientific Pedagogical Council for Continuous Training and the Directorate General for School Administration.

Email: mnsoares@umaia.pt

Vera Coelho

Vera Coelho has a PhD degree in Psychology, more specifically in the field of Educational Psychology from the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of Porto University. Her PhD has focused on the quality of inclusive educational settings, a field that is still a research and intervention area of interest in her teaching and research activities.

She is currently an auxiliary professor at the University of Maia (UMaia), where she coordinates the master's in educational and school psychology (ESP). She is a certified trainer in post-university courses on special education needs and inclusive education. She is also the representative of the Management Board at the Support Office for Students with Educational Needs at UMaia. She is an integrated researcher in the Center for Psychology at the University of Porto. Over the last years participated in several inter/national projects in the field of ESP with a particular focus on inclusion, quality of educational settings and its relations with child development, wellbeing, and participation; She has published several scientific papers on the field of inclusive education and related areas.

Email: vcoelho@umaia.pt

Ádám Fekete

Ádám Fekete: Co-founder of Galileo, he is the head of the Financial Department and coordinates the Erasmus+ KA1 Department, promoting programs for VET students, teachers and staff on health and preschool field. He coordinates European projects on the field of youth, preschool and school education, and inclusion of people with disabilities, Roma and migrants and works as a researcher in these fields.

Email: ipostadam@gmail.com

Claudia Piovano

Claudia Piovano: co-founder and CEO of Galileo since 2010. She is responsible for network creation and maintenance, fund research at the European level, proposal writing, monitoring and evaluation. She worked for over 15 years in Italy as a facilitator of employment and youth policies with different disadvantaged groups: physically and mentally disabled, early school leavers, persons aged +50, drug addicts and alcoholics, socially excluded, immigrants. She has considerable experience both in the coordination and management of European projects and complex networks and in the social sector.

She has 30 years of experience, first gained 15 years in Italy and since 2010 in Hungary. In addition to being CEO of Galileo, she is also a teacher in adult education.

Email: piovano.claudia.bis@gmail.com

Inna Raykova

Inna Raykova is a primary school teacher at 121st Secondary School “Georgi Izmirliev”, Sofia, Bulgaria. She graduated from the National Sports Academy “Vasil Levski” with a Master's degree in Kinesiotherapy. She then obtains a diploma as a physical education and sports teacher. She also defends a Master's degree in Primary Education at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, and her focus remains there. She chooses to work with children in the early stages of their education to be able to share her experience, knowledge, and skills during this important age. She continues to improve her professional qualifications and completes many courses in the field of education.

She is a certified assessor for the national external evaluation at the end of the primary education stage. She holds certificates in Motor Pedagogy: The Connection Between Movement and Child Development, as well as in Implementing Modern Information Technologies in the Educational Process, Working with Different Platforms, and many others.

Participation in the Erasmus+ program is part of her professional development.

Email: innaraykova186@gmail.com

Plamena Nikolova

My name is Plamena Nikolova - primary school teacher   at 121^st “Georgi Izmirliev” Secondary School

Teaching Philosophy

I strive to put the child's personality at the center of my attention. I try to find the most appropriate ways for young students to explore the world of knowledge.

I apply integrated pedagogical technologies and use variety of methods to create an interactive sustainable environment, aimed at forming key competencies in the child and readiness for teamwork. Furthermore, I look for and use educational platforms and applications with them, e.g. Kahoot, Quizizz, Learning Apps, Liveworksheets, Quizlet.

Teaching Methods

I select and use methods that increase the positive emotional charge of children.

The modern teacher should be able to combine both traditional teaching methods and modern methods; to attract the attention of his students, to motivate and create sustainability, durability and practical application of knowledge. Therefore, I consider all forms of teaching that lead to the active participation of all students in the educational process to be appropriate and beneficial.

Email: plamenanikolova_pr@abv.bg

Andriyana Nikolova

Andriyana Nikolova is a primary school teacher at 121^st “Georgi Izmirliev” Comprehensive school. She has bachelor degree in primary and preschool psychology. She graduated Sofia University in 2021 and worked as a preschool teacher since then. She is currently teaching in 121 comprehensive school where she is one of the youngest teachers working with children.

She has been on Erasmus exchange program where she received certificate for acquisition entrepreneurial skills in tourism. Continued with certificates for implementation of modern technology in the classroom. Her goal as a teacher is to guide students through developing social and emotional skills that will help in their lives.

Email: nikolovaandriyana@gmail.com

Galina Georgieva

My name is Galina Georgieva, and I’m a primary school teacher with over 10 years of experience in teaching preschool and primary school children. I graduated from South-West University “Neofit Rilski” with a degree in "Preschool and Primary School Pedagogy" and "Psychology." Afterward, I furthered my education with a number of professional courses and training. I hold additional professional qualifications that have helped me expand my pedagogical skills and adapt to the new requirements of the education system. I also have a certificate for working with the Dortmund Screening Test for assessing child development (DESK 3+6 R), as well as a certification for conducting diagnostic procedures for early childhood development diagnosis and correction.

Over the years, I have worked with children with various educational needs, children deprived of parental care, and bilingual children. I believe that every student is unique and has their own path to success. Therefore, I strive to apply an individual approach to each of them, while also creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and support in the classroom. My teaching philosophy is that education should not only be a process of transferring knowledge but also an opportunity to develop personal qualities such as responsibility, creativity, critical thinking, empathy, and respect for oneself and others.

One of my main priorities is to create an environment where children feel free to express their ideas and opinions. I believe that through active participation in the learning process and various extracurricular activities, students can develop their independence and confidence. I often apply innovative methods of working with parents to achieve joint efforts in supporting children both at school and at home.

Over the years, I have been involved in various educational initiatives and institutions that helped me build team-working skills, organize and implement school projects, and strengthen relationships with students, their parents, and my colleagues. This allows me to be not only a teacher but also a mentor and leader within the school community.

My understanding of good education is that it is not only about acquiring academic knowledge but also about preparing children to be successful and happy individuals in the future.

Email: Galinageorgieva1919@gmail.com

Galina Teneva-Nedeva

Galina Teneva-Nedeva is the director of 121 Secondary School "Georgi Izmirliyev" with master's degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science. She holds a professional-pedagogical specialization in educational management and additional qualifications and specializations including "Systemic approach in interaction between teachers, parents and Students", "Digitalization of management and learning in educational institutions", and "Strategic planning in educational institution management and est.

Her professional journey includes roles as a teacher of Computer science and Information technology, Mathematics and Computer science, and since 2017, she has been the school's director.

As a leader of a young and cohesive team at the school, she continues to work towards ensuring that both, students and teachers at 121 School, come and go with smiles on their faces. The school has established itself as an institution providing quality and up-to-date education, integrating modern digital technologies and resources, engaging, supporting, and stimulating students to develop human virtues and key competencies of the new era through project-based learning, integrated approaches, experiential learning, and creativity.

Her mission is for 121 School to continue being a "School of Happy Children," characterized by qualified teachers and engaged parents. She aims to maintain a positive school environment where students acquire knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for their successful integration into society, fostering a lifelong love for learning, responsible behavior, and respect for others' rights.

Email: sou121@abv.bg

Tsvetomira Dimitrova

My name is Tsvetomira Krasimirova Dimitrova, 37 years old.

I live in the city of Sofia and have been a teacher for 14 years at 121 "Georgi Izmirliev" secondary school.

I started my higher education at Southwestern University "Neofit Rilski", immediately after completing my secondary education at a language school.

I graduated in preschool pedagogy, primary school pedagogy, social pedagogy and public administration. I decided to enter the field of education because I like working with children, I find it dynamic, invigorating and positive.

I try to update my knowledge and skills and use modern methods and innovative ways of working. I work successfully with students and parents, because for me the interaction between them and the teacher is of great importance for a successful educational process. I support and develop the individual creative possibilities of the schoolgirl, and schoolboys, by giving them more freedom in their performances and stimulating them through praise and advice.

            It is important for me to build physically and mentally healthy, capable and independent young people with skills and habits for systematic work and proper distribution of free time.

Email: tsvetikrasimirova@abv.bg

Vanesa Mladenova

My name is Vanesa Mladenova. I was born on the 14^th of September 1996 in Burgas. I graduated high school for romance languages “Georgi S. Rakovski” studying French language. I graduated from National Sports Academy “ Vasil Levski” with two bachelor’s degree- basketball coach and the second one as a teacher in PE (physical education). I am graduating my master’s degree from Sofia university “St. Kliment Ohridski” in Elementary pedagogy. At the beginning of my career, I worked in 57^th sport school “St. Naum Ohridski” as a teacher in sport training. I also worked in basketball club “Septemvri-97” as a coach. For a few years I have been working in 121^st high school “Georgi Izmirliev” as a PE teacher and elementary teacher. I speak English fluently and French at B1 level.

My dream was to work in a school. My main priority is that the children get a quality education. As a teacher I want to manage to light the fire of knowledge and curiosity in every child. To succeed in giving them all the knowledge that I have, to motivate them to dream, to search and to acquire. To believe in themselves and that they can gain everything that they dreamt about. To find their calling the way I found it and never to stop improving themselves in the way of knowledge.

Email: vanesastoyanova1409@abv.bg

Pedro Nogueira

Pedro Nogueira is assistant principal. He has a degree in Basic Education.

Email: pedro.nogueira@aegmmaia.pt

Sónia Soares Lopes

Sónia Soares Lopes, school principal since June 2022, has a degree in Mathematics - Educational and a Master's Degree in educational sciences - School Administration and Organisation.

Email: sonia.lopes@aegmmaia.pt   

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