News & Events
Final Conference of the YouWell Project in Skopje
November 15, 2024
On November 15, 2024, at Hotel Solun in Skopje, the Independent Trade Union for Education, Science, and Culture of the Republic of Macedonia (SONK) held the Final Conference of the Erasmus+ project “Sustaining Young Teachers’ Wellbeing at School” – YouWell (2022-1-BG01-KA220-SCH-000085901). The event welcomed over 50 representatives from primary, secondary, and higher education institutions.
The conference was opened by SONK President Jakim Nedelkov, who greeted the attendees and highlighted the importance of the project and the necessity of its continuation in the future.
Representatives from the Faculty of Pedagogy "St. Kliment Ohridski" in Skopje and the Ministry of Education and Science also attended the conference. They praised the project and its results, expressing their readiness to support similar initiatives that encourage young teachers to remain in the country and contribute to higher-quality education.
During the conference, educators and their mentored novice teachers, who participated in the project, shared their experiences.
The educator-mentors expressed their satisfaction with the opportunity to work on this project, emphasizing it as an excellent platform for exchanging ideas and sharing experiences. They presented the pilot program and the methodology they used while mentoring young teachers over the past 10 months, highlighting the key challenges faced in their workplaces.
The mentored novice teachers also shared their gratitude for having mentors who supported them differently than the traditional mentoring structures mandated by law. They noted that this project came at the right time, stressing that every teacher needs a mentor to collaborate with throughout their professional journey.
The conference concluded with a strong recommendation to continue the project, involving even more teachers in the future. Key results were summarized, and future steps were outlined to improve the quality of education and motivate young teachers to pursue their profession with the same enthusiasm they had when they first chose this career.
Happy International Teachers’ Day!
October 5, 2024
Happy International Teachers’ Day, dear YouWell community!
Let’s celebrate with captures from our time together this week in Skopje! Sustain the values you hold and keep making the school better for everyone: students, novice teachers, experienced teachers, and parents. Enjoy your weekend! 🌼
Gathering Insights and Friendships in Skopje
October 3, 2024
The teachers-mentors, teachers-mentees, coordinators, and partners in the YouWell project gathered this week in beautiful Skopje for an evaluation workshop. Reflecting on our two-year journey, we celebrated insights, lessons learned, and lasting friendships as we worked to support novice teachers in Bulgaria 🇧🇬, North Macedonia 🇲🇰, and Slovenia 🇸🇮. Dedication truly makes a difference!
Join Our Trainers for a Workshop in Brussels!
Mentoring Through Coaching Conference
September 13, 2024
🌟 The Mentoring Through Coaching Conference & Workshop in Brussels was a vibrant, interactive event hosted by New Mindset Coaching & Training. Led by Svetoslava Stoyanova and Chrysanthi Vazitari, the workshop immersed 23 participants in exploring the transformative potential of coaching in mentoring. Key stakeholders practiced core skills like active listening, presence, and asking evoking questions—foundational skills for every effective leader and mentor.
Join Our Trainers for a Workshop in Brussels!
September 10, 2024
Join Svetoslava Stoyanova and Chrysanthi Vazitari, our trainers from New Mindset Coaching & Training, this Friday in Brussels for a practical workshop and dissemination event inspired by the practice of coaching, servant leadership, and growth mindset! They will share the journey of all of us in the YouWell - Novice Teachers Mentoring and Coaching Support project and will deliver a very practical workshop on how to embed coaching into mentoring practice to make it more efficient.
📍 Link to Event
The School Year Wraps Up with Inspiring Stories!
July 4, 2024
The school year is coming to an end across Europe, and our team of partners is inspired to hear from our amazing teacher-mentors about how the piloting unfolded in the three countries of the YouWell Project.
The "Mentoring through Coaching" program was designed to support novice teachers in Slovenia, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria. Fifteen inspiring mentors, trained by the teams of New Mindset Coaching & Training and National Management School, provided coaching-based mentoring to their novice colleagues, helping them stay inspired and committed to the teaching profession.
Stay tuned for news on the local evaluation workshops in the three countries! 🤩
🌟 Подкрепа Синдикат Образование
🌟 Samostoen sindicat za obrazovanie, nauka i kultura - North Macedonia
🌟 Mcc Celjski Mladinski Center
🌟 National Management School
Regular Meeting Brings Together Teachers and Coordinators
April 11, 2024
Yesterday, we had our regular meeting with the teachers-mentors in the YouWell - Novice Teachers Mentoring and Coaching Support project. The session was also attended by the national coordinators from Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Slovenia, along with the teams of trainers from National Management School (NMS) and New Mindset Coaching & Training (NMCT).
As always, it was an inspiring time together! Biserka Zarbova from NMS presented valuable feedback on the Resource Guide, sparking a fruitful discussion.
Kickoff of Supervision Sessions with Teachers-Mentors
February 9, 2024
The YouWell team of trainers is thrilled to announce the kickoff of our individual supervision sessions with the incredible and inspiring teachers-mentors in the piloting cohort of the YouWell - Novice Teachers Mentoring and Coaching Support project. 🚀
🌱 At YouWell, we believe in the transformative power of supervision in coaching and mentoring. It's not just about guidance; it’s about creating a space for growth, reflection, and inspiration. These supervision sessions aim to empower teachers-mentors, equipping them with the tools to support novice teachers in thriving at work and staying motivated in the teaching profession.
👩🏫 Our team has been enjoying meaningful conversations with the teachers-mentors, allowing them to reflect on their mentoring journey. Together, we explore the highs, the challenges, and the profound moments that shape their roles as mentors.
🌈 As we continue this journey, we stay committed to the ultimate goals of the YouWell project: empowering teachers-mentors, enriching the experience of novice teachers, and contributing to a thriving and motivated teaching community.
Celebrating World THANK YOU Day with Mentoring Practice Exchange
January 11, 2024
🌟 Today, on World THANK YOU Day, we’re excited to host the second "YouWELL Mentoring Practice Exchange" session with our extraordinary team of teacher-mentors!
Reflecting on the impact of our collective efforts, we are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to do what we love and support one another in our shared mission to inspire and uplift.
During the session, we revisited great moments from the "Mentoring Through Coaching" training for Teachers-Mentors held in Sofia last summer, where this incredible journey began!
Join us in celebrating the power of collaboration and the joy of making a difference. Let’s continue to learn, grow, and spread positive vibes together!
Exciting Developments at the YouWell Partners Meeting in Brussels
December 12, 2023
🌟 Exciting updates from the YouWell - Novice Teachers Mentoring and Coaching Support! The consortium partners convened in Brussels last week for a dynamic and productive series of events. 🤝🌍
On December 7, representatives from our consortium members enjoyed a warm welcome dinner. The following day, December 8, the team gathered at WeWORK Brussels for an impactful meeting dedicated to steering the project towards greater success.
Highlights of the meeting included:
✨ Reviewing achievements across Work Packages 1, 2, and 3, with a focus on defining next steps.
✨ Updates on piloting processes in schools across Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Slovenia, including discussions on further support for teachers-mentors and their mentees—45+ novice teachers from the three countries.
✨ Detailed planning for mentoring teacher-mentors, including upcoming online group meetings and personalized supervision sessions.
✨ A commitment to disseminate project-related content in multiple languages across various platforms to broaden our outreach.
✨ Refining the Teachers Handbook and aligning on administrative procedures for smooth project management.
The meeting concluded on a high note with active engagement from all partners, declarations of attendance, a group photo, and the launch of the meeting evaluation process.
We are thrilled with the progress made and look forward to continued collaboration in the next phases of the YouWell project. Stay tuned for more updates as this incredible journey unfolds!
Community Meeting and Group Mentoring Session
October 6, 2023
This week, we had a vibrant community meeting and group mentoring session with the teachers in our program. 📚✨
🌍 The session began with updates from Slovenia, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria on how the mentoring initiatives are shaping up.
🗣️ Our teachers shared their first impressions and experiences as mentors, offering insights into their initial steps in their mentoring journeys. 🌟
📊 The YouWell Training team provided valuable resources and materials to further support our teachers in their mentoring roles.
💬 Engaging discussions and real-life case studies enriched the session, fostering collective learning and growth as a community.
We express heartfelt gratitude to all the teachers, mentors, and supporters who contribute to the success of the You Well Program. Together, we are creating a brighter future for novice teachers in schools and for our youth!
YouWell Consortium Meeting Hosted by Mcc Celjski Mladinski Center
September 13, 2023
On Tuesday, September 12, and Wednesday, September 13, Mcc Celjski Mladinski Center (Slovenian project partner) hosted a productive meeting of the YouWell consortium.
The first day began with partners reviewing the results of the evaluation of the "Mentoring through Coaching" teacher-mentors training held in Sofia. 🧑🏫 We also discussed the draft of the mentor manual, next steps for the project, and strategies to support teachers during the piloting phase.
On the second day, we visited the Economic High School in Celje, where we had the opportunity to meet a teacher-mentor and the principal. The teacher kindly gave us a tour of the school, offering valuable insights into their environment.
The meeting concluded with plans for the upcoming sessions:
An October Zoom meeting for all partners and teacher-mentors.
A consortium meeting in Brussels, scheduled for December 8, 2023.
Finalizing the Handbook for Teachers-Mentors
September 3, 2023
As our incredible teachers prepare for the upcoming school year, the team of trainers and authors is putting the finishing touches on the Handbook for Teachers-Mentors. This essential resource will empower YouWell mentors to support their novice colleagues as they begin their teaching journeys. 📖
👉 Here’s a valuable article to share, written by a fellow professional, outlining key differences between coaching and mentoring. If you’re curious about the distinctions, give it a read: 10 Key Differences Between Coaching and Mentoring by Steve Gregory 🤓
Inspiring Success at the "Mentoring through Coaching" Training
July 21, 2023
We are thrilled to share our incredible experience in the "Mentoring through Coaching" Training, crafted for the YouWell - Novice Teachers Mentoring and Coaching Support project! Led by New Mindset Coaching & Training, this five-day mentoring program was developed in partnership with Chrysanthi Vazitari Coaching and National Management School.
From July 7 to 11, in Sofia, 15 inspiring teachers from Bulgaria, Slovenia, and North Macedonia came together to be trained as mentor-coaches. Starting in September, they will support their novice colleagues, fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for growth, collaboration, and skill development.
📅 Over five transformative days at the Social Innovators България space, we embarked on a journey of discovery and learning, leaving us inspired and motivated to make a difference in the lives of others!
🎯 The program focused on developing essential coaching skills that transcend the classroom, empowering participants to become better communicators, listeners, and problem-solvers. These skills serve as a foundation for personal and professional growth.
🔍 Highlights included:
Clarity Check-in Series: Encouraging empathy, understanding, and powerful questions to enhance the mentor-mentee relationship.
DiArc Project Creativity Cards: Sparking imagination and helping participants explore new perspectives.
LEGO Serious Play: A transformative and engaging tool for goal-setting and envisioning effective mentoring roles.
🤩 Together, we built a passionate community of educators ready to make a lasting impact on the educational landscape.
What is the YouWell Project About?
June 14, 2023
Over the course of 24 months, the YouWell - Novice Teachers Mentoring and Coaching Support project aims to develop and test mentor-coach training for experienced teachers. By engaging novice teachers in the mentoring-coaching process, we strive to create meaningful impact and outline the benefits of our innovative approach.
Expected Effects:
Enhanced motivation and self-confidence among newly employed teachers. 👨🏫
Increased job satisfaction and improved performance of novice teachers.
Mutual learning and collaboration between beginners and experienced teachers.
Better management practices and stronger human resource management skills among principals and school leaders.
A more positive and supportive school climate.
Kick-Off Online Training Meeting for the YouWell Project
June 7, 2023
We just wrapped up an incredible kick-off online training meeting for the YouWell Project! 🎉
Teachers from Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Slovenia came together to connect with trainers and hosts of the upcoming summer training program, scheduled for July 7-11 in Sofia, Bulgaria. This meeting provided a fantastic opportunity to share details about the exciting activities planned for the program.
The session was led by the amazing Svetoslava Stoyanova from NMCT, accompanied by her talented colleague Chrysanthi Vazitari. Together, they shared valuable insights and engaged participants with their expertise as they introduced the training program.
We were also fortunate to have Biserka Zarbova and Yuliana Dobreva from the National Management School present the highly anticipated Teachers' Handbook and provide an overview of the project’s activities.
Special greetings were delivered by Dr. Yulian Petrov from Syndicate "Podkrepa" Bulgaria and Mr. Jakim Nedelkov, president of the Independent Trade Union of Education, Science and Culture of North Macedonia (SONK). Both expressed their excitement about implementing mentoring in the school system as a vital support for novice teachers.
Focus Group with Teachers at OŠ Frana Kranjca
April 17, 2023
On Monday, April 17, 2023, we visited OŠ Frana Kranjca, where we presented the YouWell project and conducted a focus group with 21 teachers.
During the session, we discussed the competency model for mentor teachers and explored the type of training they would like to receive as mentors. A significant part of the conversation focused on why many teachers decide to change professions within the first few years.
The teachers also shared their perspectives on systemic changes that are needed, including concerns about inadequate salaries given the demands of their work. They expressed feeling unprepared for certain tasks outside of teaching after graduating from university, such as managing documentation, preparing lesson plans, hosting parent meetings, and conducting consultations.
The insights from this focus group will help shape the project’s approach to supporting both novice teachers and their mentors.
Kick-Off Meeting of the YouWell Project in Sofia
March 1, 2023
On Wednesday, March 1, 2023, the kick-off meeting for the YouWell project took place in Sofia, Bulgaria. The project partners gathered in person, strengthening existing alliances and getting to know new collaborators more closely during this important meeting.
The team immediately got to work, reviewing the project timeline and activities, deepening the shared project values, and discussing how to achieve the objectives addressed by the YouWell project. Together, we also planned the organization of the first training for novice teachers.
With great enthusiasm, we embark on the realization of the ideas envisioned in the project proposal, looking forward to making a meaningful impact.
Focusing on Supporting Novice Teachers Across Europe
February 12, 2023
We are thrilled to see several European partnerships emphasizing the importance of supporting novice teachers during their first and often challenging years on the job.
One notable example is Project NEST, which explores opportunities to implement mentoring support through regional educational authorities. Their innovative approach aims to strengthen the foundation for novice teachers by integrating mentoring into the system.
At YouWell, we are proposing a model that introduces a new role for senior teachers as coach-mentors, providing tailored guidance and support to novice colleagues. This approach aligns with our shared mission to empower teachers and enhance the educational experience for all.