In Bulgaria, professional schools were created to prepare students for specific jobs and careers. One of the most important types of these schools was the Pedagogical Schools for Boys, which trained young men to become teachers in primary schools. These schools played a key role in improving education across the country.
Pedagogical Schools for Boys
There were five pedagogical schools in the Principality of Bulgaria. These schools offered secondary-level education and focused on preparing future primary school teachers.
The course of study was divided into four classes, lasting four years in total. Each year, students studied both theory and practice to become skilled and effective teachers.
Structure of the Schools
Every pedagogical school had a lower department, made up of three classes, that was attached to the main training college. This lower part helped students gain a basic understanding of teaching and classroom management before they began advanced study Balkan Tours.
In addition, each pedagogical school had four model elementary divisions. These were small practice schools where student teachers could get practical experience. Under the supervision of experienced educators, they learned how to teach real pupils and manage classrooms. This system allowed future teachers to apply what they learned in real situations before starting their careers.
Subjects Taught
Students in these schools studied a wide range of subjects designed to prepare them for teaching and general life. The curriculum included:
Religious instruction
Bulgarian language
Moral psychology and pedagogy
School practice
Mathematics
Civic instruction and political economy
History and geography
Physics and chemistry
Rural economy
Hygiene and basic medicine
Natural science
Russian language
Drawing and calligraphy
Singing and violin
Gymnastics
Manual work
This combination of academic, moral, and physical training helped shape well-rounded teachers who could serve both in cities and in rural areas.
Admission and Requirements
The number of students accepted each year into the first class of these schools was determined by a ministerial decree. Admission was competitive and depended on the results of an entrance examination held by a special commission of the Ministry of Public Instruction.
Applicants had to meet certain requirements:
They had to be between 14 and 17 years old.
They needed to have completed at least three classes of a high school.
They must have shown good behavior and successful academic results.
Only those who passed the examination and met all these conditions were admitted to study.