The School of Education is a joint undertaking of the Polish-American Freedom Foundation and University of Warsaw. It is the only school in Poland that runs daily post-graduate teacher certificate studies. Studying is free of charge, and students may apply for a scholarship that will help them cover their costs of living, as well as for accommodation at UW dormitory.
The School of Education program has been prepared in cooperation with a prestigious teacher training institution – Teachers College, Columbia University.
Currently the School is running its second round of studies, attended by 28 students in two paths – for teachers of Polish language and mathematics. In the future, courses for teachers of other subjects and for more students are planned to be launched.
An integral part of teacher training at SE are daily practical classes at schools. The students spend their time both at academic classes at PE and at a selected school – they watch lessons, participate in conducting them or conduct them on their own. They also take part in the school staff meetings, and in the parent-teacher conferences. Experimental knowledge gained at school is discussed during the students’ academic classes on an on-going basis. The School of Education is responsible for the quality of the teaching practice and it cooperates with a network of carefully selected schools in Warsaw and surrounding areas.
The students have their individual tutor at the School of Education, and a mentor – a supporting teacher at the school where they do their internships. Academic classes are held for small groups. Great importance is attached to discussion and regular student progress self-evaluation.
Classes at the School of Education are conducted by persons experienced in school work, active in education, looking at it from various perspectives – practicing teachers, academics, people with passion for education. The lecturers represent various universities and they were trained by top American and European specialists in teachers’ education.
There is also an Alumni Office at the PAFF and UW School of Education which offers long-term support to graduates, including assistance in finding a job. Graduates of the School can also cooperate on a current basis with lecturers of PE, improving their teaching skills and sharing experiences.
Methods applied at the School of Education and its best practices are popularized both at schools and institutions responsible for training future and practicing teachers.
In 2017, the School of Education launched free-of-charge training courses in literature and Polish language didactics, math didactics, and education and communication skills for practicing teachers, aimed at improving their subject and education skills.
The School of Education is located in the UW Center of New Technologies (CENT) building in Warsaw. It was established thanks to the engagement and cooperation of PAFF, University of Warsaw, Foundation for Quality Education, and Center for Citizenship Education.
