BFU Wins the NEAA Grand Prize for Best Pedagogical Practice
Burgas Free University is the winner of the 2026 Grand Prize of the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA) for the good pedagogical practice "Student Club 'Mission Teacher' – a sustainable university model for the development of professional identity and pedagogical competencies in an active educational community." This prestigious award is national recognition of the university's innovative approach to training future teachers and creating a sustainable academic environment for students' professional development.
The award was accepted by Prof. Maria Alexieva, D.Sc., Vice-Rector of BSU and Dean of the Center for Humanities, who is among the initiators of the student club and developed the good practice presented in the NEAA competition.
The distinction was presented at an official ceremony in the "Maxima" Aula of the University of National and World Economy in Sofia during the second edition of the NEAA Annual Awards "Science – Higher Education – Business and Society."
The "Mission Teacher" student club is a university initiative that places students' active participation, the development of their professional identity, and the building of a community united by the values of the teaching profession at the center of pedagogical training. The model combines academic knowledge with practically oriented activities, collaboration, and the sharing of pedagogical experience.
The head of the "Mission Teacher" club is Assoc. Prof. Zlatina Dimitrova, PhD, Program Coordinator of the Pedagogical Program Council at BSU. Under her leadership, the club operates as a space for student initiative, creative interaction, and the improvement of pedagogical competencies.
The award-winning good practice presents a comprehensive university model in which the professional formation of future teachers is achieved through active learning, participation in an educational community, and the consistent building of a pedagogical culture. Of particular importance is the opportunity for students to conceptualize their future professional role, develop teamwork skills, and build confidence for their future careers in the educational system.
A total of 16 higher education institutions and two scientific organizations participated in the 2026 competition with 58 good practices. The Grand Prize was awarded to two university initiatives – Burgas Free University for "Mission Teacher" and South-West University "Neofit Rilski" for "Heritage in Action: Tour Guide (in) Practice."
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Education and Science, Prof. Krasimir Valchev, who emphasized the need for closer interaction between higher education, science, business, and society. The Chair of NEAA, Prof. Maria Nisheva-Pavlova, PhD, highlighted the importance of the initiative in promoting successful university practices and encouraging innovation in higher education.
The Grand Prize for "Mission Teacher" reinforces Burgas Free University's contribution to the development of modern pedagogical education. The award recognizes the creation of a sustainable model for student participation and professional growth, as well as academic efforts to train motivated, competent, and socially engaged teachers
