Private schools with English language learning

Management

Engr. Radka Tsvetkova Stamenova

Founder and General Manager of the Meridian 22 English Language Junior High School and Meridian 22 English Language High School.

Mrs. Radka Stamenova is a professional electrical engineer, holding a Master’s degree from the Technical University of Sofia. She has previously worked as a research associate at Energoproekt and has completed specialised training at Imperial College London and the University of Leeds, UK.

In 1990, Engr. Radka Stamenova founded Meridian 22 Ltd., which quickly established itself in the business sector not only as an organiser of international exhibitions in Bulgaria and abroad but also as a leading educational institution.

The licensing of the Meridian 22 Junior High School in 1993 realised the ambition of combining Bulgaria’s strong educational traditions with the evolving demands of modern education.

In 1998 the Meridian 22 Private Specialised High School with English Language Instruction was licensed, and in 2009, the school obtained authorisation to teach the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme.

Engr. Radka Stamenova is:

  • A member of the Board of Directors and Executive Council of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI)
  • A board member of the National Association for Private Education
  • A board member of the National Agency for Vocational Education and Training under the Council of Ministers
  • Chairperson of the Bulgarian Association of Women Entrepreneurs (BAWE)
  • President of Business and Professional Women – Sofia, Bulgaria
  • A member of Rotary Club Sofia International, serving as past president (2014/2015)
  • For her outstanding professionalism and contributions to both business and education, Mrs. Stamenova has received numerous prestigious awards.

In 2000, she was named Woman Manager of the Year by the Ministry of Economy, the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Nie Zhenite newspaper.

Illiana Stefanova

Co-owner of Meridian 22 Junior High School and
Meridian 22 High School./ IB DP Head of School Designee

Ms. Iliana Stefanova graduated from Sofia University "Kliment Ohridski" with an MA in English Philology with a pedagogical profile in English literature. She is an English teacher with over 30 years of professional experience with both children and adults.

She received her primary education at "Garden Suburb Infant and Junior School",London, Great Britain. 

She graduated from high school at Lawnswood High, Leeds, Great Britain.

She began her professional career at the "Meridian 22" Ltd. Company in 1990. She started by teaching English language courses for adults the year the company was founded.

She worked as an English teacher at the “Meridian 22" Primary School for two years once it opened in 1993. She taught in the kindergarten and in the "Meridian 22" Junior High School after it was upgraded.

She proved her professionalism as a teacher at the First English Language High School in Sofia. She was also a lecturer at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski” for students taking “English Philology” as a second major.

She has been in the management of the “Meridian 22” Schools since 1997. 

In 2001, she completed a TEFL Certificate Programme (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) at the University of California, San Diego, USA.

She led the English drama class in interest classes with great passion and dedication for years. Every year she would stage performances for the children, displaying their achievements and sharing the joy and satisfaction with their peers, parents, teachers and friends.

As a leader in the IB Diploma Programme of the “Meridian 22” High School she finds her logical place because of her belief in quality and in-depth international education in the conditions of growing globalization and her interest in achieving a better world through multicultural communication and understanding.

She believes children’s abilities and talents have no limits, and that teachers and facilitators  following their true vocation are bound to strive for growth. Ms. Stefanova's work is marked with love and dedication in trying to make everyone she interacts with feel special, loved, and appreciated.

Emiliya Uzunova

Head of Meridian 22 Junior High School and Meridian 22 High School

Mrs. Emiliya Uzunova is the head of the Meridian 22 and a highly esteemed education professional with over 30 years of experience in the field. She holds a degree in Biology and Chemistry from Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski and serves as a teacher trainer at the university, actively contributing to the training and development of future educators.

With 15 years of experience as a deputy headmistress and being a certified examiner for the national matriculation exams in Biology and Health Education, Mrs. Uzunova brings stability, expertise, and a commitment to excellence to Meridian 22. She is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and motivating environment where every student can reach their full potential.

Under her leadership, Meridian 22 continues to implement innovative teaching approaches and develop initiatives that prepare students for success in today’s dynamic world. She firmly believes that high-quality education is the result of collaboration between teachers, students, and parents, and she actively works to strengthen these relationships within the school community.

Katya Bozadzhiyeva

Deputy Head for Academic Affairs in Meridian 22 Junior High School

Mrs. Katya Bozadzhiyeva has been a dedicated member of the Meridian 22 since 2006.

She graduated from Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski in 1993 with a Master’s degree in Primary School Pedagogy and has over 30 years of teaching experience. She is the author of textbooks, workbooks, and teaching materials for Bulgarian language studies published by Klett Publishing Houseand serves as a teacher trainer at Sofia University.

For the past five years, she has held the position of Deputy Head for Academic Affairs, actively contributing to the school's academic excellence through

  • Organisation and supervision of the academic process
  • Management of the educational framework and curriculum implementation
  • Fostering a positive atmosphere of respect, trust, and support
  • Development and application of educational programmes and strategies for improving teaching and learning
  • Enhancing the qualifications of teaching staff
  • Creating an inclusive and supportive environment for every student
  • Analysing and evaluating academic performance
  • Facilitating communication between teachers, parents, and students
  • Planning and coordinating extracurricular activities and projects, including competitions, contests, charity events, excursions, and educational camps

Her expertise and dedication continue to play a crucial role in maintaining Meridian 22’s reputation for academic excellence, social involvement and student development.

Stoyanka Vladova

Deputy Head of Meridian 22 High School / Mathematics

Mrs. Stoyanka Vladova is an experienced administrator and educator with a wide range of qualifications and professional skills. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Information Brokerage – Information Resources Manager from the University of Library Science and Information Technologies.

Her Master's degree in Journalism and Media and her professional qualification as a Mathematics and Information Technology Teacher from Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski further complement her academic background. These credentials creatively combine pedagogical approaches with communication skills and modern technologies.

As Deputy Head of the Meridian 22 High School, Mrs.Vladova effectively organises and supports the academic process while fostering strong communication between students, teachers, and parents.

Reece Buchanan

IB Coordinator / English Language/ IB Theory of Knowledge

Mr. Reece Buchanan has over ten years of experience in the field of education. After graduating with a degree in Medieval and Early Modern History from Bangor University, North Wales, he has since pursued teaching and leading in various roles in education.

Upon moving to Bulgaria, Mr. Buchanan has taught English, Geography, History, and PSHE, bringing not only a wealth of subject knowledge but also an array of methodological skills to his teaching. He has been certified through a number of training programmes on methodologies based around critical and creative thinking. Mr. Buchanan is also qualified as a teacher of Suggestopedia and holds various certifications as a trainer, supervisor, and examiner.

Thanks to his extensive teaching experience, methodological expertise, and leadership background, Mr. Buchanan hopes to inspire students with a passion and love for learning, and aims to provide a world-class education. He seeks to inspire a sense of curiosity and excitement in them for the thrill of the learning journey. These valuable qualities and skills contribute to his successful work as the IB Programme Coordinator, Theory of Knowledge teacher, and English teacher at Meridian 22.

Gergana Doneva

Head of Meridian 22 Kindergarten

A graduate of the National Secondary School for Culture in Gorna Banya, Mrs. Gergana Doneva holds a Master's degree in Special Education from Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski. She is also a specialist in Speech Therapy and Auditory-Speech Rehabilitation, accredited by Sofia University.

She has qualifications in early foreign language education with English and is also trained as a "Dancer in Bulgarian Folk Dances."

In addition to her role as head and primary school teacher, Mrs. Doneva works as a speech therapist at both the kindergarten and primary school. She also teaches music and folk dance.