School of Education is a joint undertaking of the Polish-American Freedom Foundation and the University of Warsaw, whose curriculum was designed in close cooperation with Columbia University Teachers College in New York. This is the only non-remote, full-time post-graduate course in Poland granting teaching certificates.
At present, the course is provided free of charge, and School of Education students may apply for a scholarship to help cover the costs of living and a place in a UW dormitory.
Daily in-school teaching practice is an integral part of SE teacher training. Students spend time in both academic classes and a school classroom. They observe lessons, co-teach, teach on their own, and take part in meetings of teacher boards and parent-teacher conferences. The experience gained at schools are then regularly discussed during academic classes. The School of Education takes responsibility for the quality of in-school apprenticeships by closely cooperating with a network of 40 selected schools in Warsaw and vicinity. 100 teachers from these schools regularly participate in workshops and consultation meetings.
SE tutors provide students with one-to-one tutoring. Academic sessions are held in small groups, where major focus is placed on discussing and systematically reflecting on student progress. Tutors have experience with in-school work, are actively involved in the education sector, and offer a range of perspectives: teachers-practitioners, academics, and education enthusiasts. The SE faculty comes from different academic centers and has undergone training by leading American and European experts in teacher education.
The seventh round (covering the 2022/23 academic year) attracted 24 students who pursued one of the four education paths: Polish studies, mathematics, history and civic education, as well as biology and natural studies.
The PAFF and UW School of Education offers long-term support for more than 200 alumni, also provides assistance in securing a teaching job. Former students have ongoing contact with SE lecturers, regularly refining their methods and sharing teaching experiences. Education facilities that hire the alumni are welcome to benefit from the rich training offer of the School of Education.
Since 2017 the School has added to its offer professional development for in-service teachers in teaching literature and Polish, mathematics, biology, history, as well as didactic and communication competencies. The 2023/24 academic year courses are attended by some 200 people.
Ever since 2023, the program taps into the “Thinking Class” experience. This innovative teaching method was designed by a Canadian math teaching expert, Prof. Peter Lijledahl of the Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada. After being trained by Prof. Lijledahl, SE mentors hold workshops to introduce this method to all subjects– not just math, but also Polish, biology, etc.
In 2021 the SE faculty started conducting research to scientifically verify this method and related teaching tools used at the School of Education. Tried-and-tested practices are promoted not just at schools but also at other universities and teacher development centers. In 2023 nearly 4,000 participants attended conferences, training sessions, and webinars which showcased SE methods and tools.
The Foundation for Quality Education, established by PAFF in 2014, is responsible for the management and development of the School of Education.
The Foundation has disbursed $9,349,045, including $350,960 for the current edition.
