The “Work with Class” initiative refers to the American Teach for America project, under which graduates of the best universities in the USA are recruited to work for two years at public schools in the poorest communities. The “Work with Class” project was also based on placing at schools carefully selected and trained participants, graduates of various university courses.
The meeting on July 1 was attended by teachers, school headmasters and representatives of local governments participating in the project. “Don’t give up your goals, ideals and dreams,” PAFF Program Director Radosław Jasiński adviced the participants. At the same time, he thanked them for their time and effort devoted to the project implementation. The achievements of the pilot project were presented by Magdalena Krawczyk-Radwan, who acted in a double role of a “Work with Class” leader and President of the Good Education Foundation. “We appreciate the efforts and vision of the school headmasters demanded to get involved in the “Work with Class” project,” Magdalena Krawczyk-Radwan emphasized. Paweł Rams, the project participant who worked for two years at the Elementary School No 3 in Malbork, told about his extremely positive experience in co-teaching, that is conducting classes by two teachers. Piotr Zwoliński from the Junior High School No 1 in Police shared his opinions and conclusions from implementation of educational projects at junior high schools, emphasizing the role of social networks in popularization of educational topics.
After the project participants and school headmasters had been presented with commemorative diplomas, special guest Molly Barker from Ashoka, an association of social innovators, took the floor. Ms Barker, who came to Warsaw from Charlotte, North Carolina, is a founder of the “Girls on the Run” non-governmental organization. In a very inspiring address she told about her mission – education, educating and helping girls from disadvantaged environments.
Under the “Work with Class” project, 10 participants worked as teachers in 10 schools in small localities all over Poland. Apart from conducting classes, they also organized extra-curricular activities and other events addressed not only to students but also their parents and local communities. One of the achievements of the project is developing the co-teaching practice, that is conducting classes by two teachers.
The Center for Citizenship Education Foundation supported the participant’s development and their adaptation to work at schools with the tutoring system: each participant had a tutor and could benefit from a wide offer of workshops.
The pilot project has been an important element of the Polish-American Freedom Foundation’s activities aimed at improving the quality and effectiveness of teacher education system and school work; mainly the “Learning Schools” Program. The objective of the PAFF-supported educational initiatives is to equalize educational opportunities and increasing attractiveness of schools’ educational offer, especially in rural areas and small towns.
