THE TRAINER PROFILE IN INCLUSIVE EDUCATION (EXAMPLES FROM BULGARIAN EDUCATION SYSTEM)

One of the main issues for the development of inclusive education is related to the training and qualification of the teacher/trainer.Examples from the Bulgarian education system show that inclusive education has yet to be analysed and rethought in the light of the new role of the teacher in the implementation of his/her tasks.In the Preschool and School Education Act, adopted in Bulgaria in 2016, the topic of inclusive education receives its initial treatment.Additionally, another normative document specifies the principles of inclusive education through the introduction of a state standard.If in theoretical terms the term "inclusive education" does not raise any particular objections, in practice -at least in Bulgaria -there are a number of unresolved issues.Alongside the understanding of how to form a natural school environment that is inclusive of every student, regardless of their social or ethnic background, the law introduces the obligation to educate children with varying degrees of health problems -mild but also severe illnesses -in mainstream schools.This reflects on a change in the meaning of the figure of the teacher, the new sense of value in the realization of his educational role, as well as on the actualization of historical experience and good practices, affirming the new character of inclusive education.In this context, and the revival of humanities knowledge as a basis for the formation of empathy, moral and value orientations.