Meet Julia Stoyankova

“The boundless joy of children and their genuine curiosity about life help me become a better version of myself, and in turn contribute to positive change and meaningful achievements in their lives.”

Julia Stoyankova has a natural talent for stepping into the role of mediator when working in a team, helping to soften opposing positions and find the common ground between them. Her secret is that she takes the time to understand each perspective in depth and then presents it in a way that naturally awakens empathy and, from there, an understanding of the other side. This elegant ability is a rare gift, and one that gives us confidence that we are on the right path in our mission: to provide a higher quality of education through a team of conscious and inspired teachers. People with her positive energy (and masterful command of sarcasm) restore our optimism and our belief in a bright future for our children.

Although Julia is one of the youngest members of our new teaching team, she is by no means lacking in experience. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism from St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo, and in 2026 she completed her Master's degree in Primary and Preschool Education. Before answering her calling as a teacher in 2020, she began two parallel courses in Montessori education — one focused on children aged 0–6 and the other on children aged 6–12. Although her professional path did not immediately lead towards teaching, it is precisely as a teacher that Yulia has gained the most experience. From 2016 to 2023, she taught English to children at a local language school. She then took a one-year break from teaching to pursue another passion of hers: travelling. Her return to the profession she chose (or perhaps the profession chose her) is a privilege for our team.

1. What motivated you to become a teacher?

I dreamed of becoming a teacher from a very young age. I was inspired by my kindergarten and primary school teachers. After school, I would study my lessons by “teaching” my toys, carefully arranging them on my bed. My large wardrobe served as my blackboard, and I would secretly write on it with chalk when my parents weren’t looking.

Even though I took a somewhat longer route to get there, I eventually found my way back to that childhood dream — and I live it every day. Being a teacher is not simply a job; it is much more of a calling. I recognise myself in it every day. The boundless joy of children and their genuine curiosity about life help me become a better version of myself, and in turn contribute to positive change and meaningful achievements in their lives.

2. When did you, as an educational professional, feel the need to explore alternative approaches to use in your work?

Even before beginning my professional career, I took part in projects with volunteers from different countries. They taught children in various kindergartens in Veliko Tarnovo in English, using games, songs and art. I gradually noticed how strongly these more creative approaches affected the children. Through games and art, they were not only active and engaged, but everything they learned — often without even realising they were learning — left a lasting impression and awakened their curiosity about the world.

Later, as I moved towards the teaching profession, I found an environment that gave me the freedom to explore and apply a variety of approaches.

3. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I love travelling and spending time outdoors, surrounded by nature. I absolutely love cooking, and I really enjoy dancing. My family and friends are an important part of my life, so I always make time for them whenever I can.

4. What do challenges mean to you?

To me, challenges are a lever that pushes you forward, although you do not always realise this while you are going through them. I welcome them because they help us grow, improve and expand the boundaries of what we are capable of. Challenges — whether we overcome them successfully or not — remain some of the greatest lessons life can teach us.

5. What is your vision for the education of the future?

I dream of a time when the word “education” makes people feel empowered and inspired, rather than disappointed. Education is so much more than reading and memorising a lesson from a textbook. It does not happen only at school, but also at home and out in the world. When I hear the phrase “education of the future”, I imagine a synergy between students, teachers and parents. I see emotional intelligence being nurtured alongside ac