Teaching for Sustainability: How Bulgarian Educators Engage with The United Nations Sustainability Development Goals
Teaching for Sustainability: How Bulgarian Educators Engage with The United Nations Sustainability Development Goals

Summary/Abstract: The present study was designed to examine how Bulgarian educators nationwide engage with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing on issues related to their implementation in classroom practice. Method: A survey was completed by 2801 educators from all levels of education from all 28 regions of Bulgaria. Results: Of the 2801 Bulgarian educators, 79.6% reported familiarity with the UN SDGs. The highest rates were among teachers with 21 – 30 and >30 years of experience, as well as those in higher education. Regardless of teaching experience, school type, or school location, 95.2% of teachers agreed that the curriculum should include the SDGs. Only 37.0% of schools reported having sustainability-related content or events, and the rates were even lower in private and rural schools. 67.4% of teachers included sustainability in their lessons on a regular or occasional basis. Experienced teachers and those who worked in primary and secondary schools were the most proactive. Assessment emerged as the main gap, with 82.8% lacking – or unsure about – valid tools. Student interest was moderate and sometimes grade-driven, with primary teachers reporting the greatest engagement. Conclusion: The results of the present study offer a benchmark for educational policies and practices that can strengthen SDG awareness and support effective classroom implementation.

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