The School of Education is a joint undertaking of Polish-American Freedom Foundation and University of Warsaw, and its program has been developed in cooperation with a prestigious teacher training institution – Columbia University Teachers College, New York. It is the only school in Poland that conducts full-time post-graduate teacher certificate studies. Currently the School is free of charge, and students may apply for a scholarship that will help them cover their costs of living, as well as get accommodation at the UW dormitory.
On behalf of the PAFF, involved in management and development of the School of Education is the Foundation for Quality Education established in 2014. The School is located in the UW Center of New Technologies (CENT) building in Warsaw.
The present, already fourth course (2019/20 academic year) of the School of Education is attended by 35 students on four educational paths – Polish Language, Mathematics, History and Social Sciences, and Biology and Life Sciences.
An integral part of teacher training at SE everyday practical internship at schools. The students spend their time both in academic classes at the School of Education and at a selected school – they observe lessons, participate in conducting them or conduct them on their own. They also take part in school staff meetings, and in parent-teacher conferences. Experimental knowledge gained at a 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. Almost 200 teachers from the cooperating schools participate in workshops and consultation meetings held for SE students.
The students have also their individual tutors at the School of Education. Academic classes are held for small groups. Great importance is paid to discussion and regular student progress self-evaluation. The classes at the School of Education are conducted by people with experience in school work, active in education, viewing it from various perspectives – practicing teachers, academics, and other people with a passion for education. The lecturers represent various universities – 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 can also cooperate on a current basis with lecturers of the School, improving their teaching skills and sharing experiences. Also, educational institutions which hire SE graduates can benefit from various training sessions offered by the School of Education.
Since 2017, the School of Education has also been offering professional development courses on teaching Polish literature and grammar, Math, Biology, History, as well as educational and communication competence for active teachers. The courses allow their participants to improve both subject and educational skills. In 2019/2020 school year 70 people take advantage of these courses.
Good practices applied at the School of Education are popularized not only at schools but also at institutions responsible for educating and training teachers. In 2019 over 5,000 people attended various conferences, training sessions and meetings where methods and tools used by the School in their work with students were presented.
