The Team
Dr. Lachezar Afrikanov
Lachezar is a lecturer at New Bulgarian University, and an expert in the fields of educational leadership, organisational management, and design thinking. He is an active participant in international educational projects and an ambassador for the educational innovation platform HundrED in Bulgaria. His work focuses on creating innovative, teacher-oriented solutions.
He has undergone training with the team from Yale University on the application of the “Life Worth Living” methodology and its adaptation to the “Leadership in Education” course.
Dr. Lachezar Afrikanov
Lachezar is a lecturer at New Bulgarian University, and an expert in the fields of educational leadership, organisational management, and design thinking. He is an active participant in international educational projects and an ambassador for the educational innovation platform HundrED in Bulgaria. His work focuses on creating innovative, teacher-oriented solutions.
Magi Blagoeva
Expert in democratic education, founder of the Centre for Democratic Learning in Sofia, honorary lecturer at NBU, and trainer in the “Life Worth Living” methodology for the development of active educational professionals. She supports the course with content on topics related to democratic education and other forms of progressive education.
Alexander Evtimov
Therapist, musician, facilitator of training sessions focused on understanding and developing leadership values, and trainer in the “Life Worth Living” methodology for the development of active educational professionals. He supports the course with content on practical activities in which students will formulate their leadership visions in the context of their growth as teachers.
Iana Avramova
Honorary lecturer at NBU teaching Theory of Games in the Classroom and ambassador of the European Network of Intuitive Trainers in Bulgaria. Author of educational materials, a sound therapist, a design thinking expert, and a graduated coach. She supports the course by applying interactive reflection methods that will allow students to engage more deeply with the content being offered.
Associate Professor Dr. Evgenia Topolska
Evgenia is an associate professor at New Bulgarian University, specialising in pedagogy and educational leadership. She has extensive experience as a lecturer, researcher, and project expert in the field of inclusive education and educational process management. At NBU, she leads courses that combine theoretical knowledge with practical training for future and current educational leaders.
Professor Dr. Elena Blagoeva
Елена е професор в Нов български университет, специализирана в областта на администрацията и управлението с акцент върху образователни и културни институции. С дългогодишен академичен и управленски опит, тя е автор на множество публикации, които изследват интернационализацията на висшето образование, европейските политики и управлението на проекти. Ръководила е различни международни проекти, участвала е в специализации в престижни институции като Университета на Съри, Колежа на Европа и Автономния университет в Барселона.
What do the students say?
I admit, at first, I was quite sceptical about the "Leadership in Education" course. I thought it would overlap with material from the previous semester and wouldn’t offer anything new. However, from the very first sessions, I realised I was wrong – this course was completely different! I’m glad I had the opportunity to participate because I learnt so many things that will be useful to me as a primary school teacher. The most interesting part for me was the simulated educational environment, where each of us had a role – teacher, student, or even parent. It made me see the classroom from different perspectives. Not only did I better understand the students' needs, but I also received concrete ideas on how to tackle classroom challenges. This course was truly a challenge, but also an inspiration!
The "Leadership in Education" course helps us, the students, to express ourselves by placing us in different roles and situations. Personally, it helped me expand my capabilities, relax more in front of an audience, and express myself more freely. The course teaches us to think critically, analyse problems, find solutions, and share helpful advice and different opinions. I appreciate the friendly atmosphere – we’re not worried, we feel comfortable, and every session is filled with diverse and interesting tasks. I believe the course is very relevant to our field of study because it often gives us the chance to express what kind of leaders we want to be, what we strive for, and how we envision ourselves as future teachers. We played out different scenarios, stepped outside our comfort zones, and fully embraced our roles. This was an incredibly useful and inspiring experience!