Trakia University – Stara Zagora hosted a public lecture by American psychologist Dr Joseph Sis, dedicated to global approaches to creating an educational environment in which pupils, students and teachers feel accepted, motivated and valued. The event was organised by the Department for Information and In-Service Teacher Training (DIITT) as part of European Researchers’ Night 2026 and the K-TRIO project. It brought together university lecturers, schoolteachers, headteachers, students and education professionals.

In his lecture, Dr Joseph Sis presented the Crucial Cs concept—the “Four Crucial Cs”—a research-based model grounded in the principles of Alfred Adler’s individual psychology. The model offers practical tools for building communities founded on trust, belonging and active participation. Its central premise is that a sustainable educational environment is created when every individual has the opportunity to feel connected to others, capable of growth, valued by the community and courageous in the face of challenges.

The speaker introduced the participants to the model’s four key elements: Connect (a sense of connection), Capable (confidence in one’s own abilities), Count (a sense of significance) and Courage. According to Dr Sis, these four dimensions foster a sense of belonging, build resilience and encourage pupils and students to participate actively in the educational process.

Particular emphasis was placed on the four fundamental human needs identified by Alfred Adler: belonging, growth, significance and courage. Dr Sis demonstrated how meeting these needs affects young people’s behaviour, motivation and mental well-being, and how unmet needs may lead to attention-seeking, defiance, feelings of rejection or withdrawal from participation.

The lecture also presented specific skills through which the principles of the Crucial Cs can be developed, including effective communication, self-discipline, taking responsibility, sound judgement, empathy, cooperation and contributing to the community. The speaker emphasised that the true purpose of education is not merely the acquisition of knowledge, but also the development of individuals who are able to work together, support others and contribute to the advancement of society.

The event generated considerable interest and lively discussion among the participants, who exchanged ideas and good practices for applying the model in both school and university education.

The participants noted that the meeting with Dr Joseph Sis had provided the academic and teaching community of Trakia University – Stara Zagora with an opportunity to gain insight into international experience and perspectives on creating an inclusive, supportive and inspiring educational environment.