Abstract
<jats:p>The article reveals the essence of pedagogical creativity as an important component of the professional culture of a social pedagogue. Emphasis is placed on the fact that, in the context of dynamic societal development and growing social challenges, the significance of a creative approach in pedagogical activity is constantly increasing. A social pedagogue, who works in various sociocultural environments, must possess a high level of professional culture, the ability for creative thinking, initiative, openness to innovations, and flexibility in interacting with different categories of children and youth. The study explores the main characteristics of pedagogical creativity and its place within the professional culture of social work specialists. The author highlights that pedagogical creativity manifests in the ability to find non-standard solutions to pedagogical tasks, develop new forms and methods of social-pedagogical work, and create a supportive educational environment that promotes the comprehensive development of the individual. The article also stresses that creative activity must be based not on spontaneity, but on deep professional knowledge, value orientations, and ethical principles. The article analyzes the factors that foster or, conversely, hinder the development of pedagogical creativity, including professional motivation, the level of general cultural and psychological-pedagogical training, working conditions, and support from the team and administration. The author proposes approaches to forming pedagogical creativity in the process of professional training for future social pedagogues, particularly through the implementation of active learning methods, creative projects, pedagogical workshops, and practical modeling of professional situations. The conclusion drawn is that pedagogical creativity is an integrative quality combining professionalism, spirituality, humanism, and innovation, and serves as a determining factor in successful social-pedagogical activity. The development of this quality should become one of the priorities in the system of training and professional development of social pedagogues.</jats:p>