Teachers, Teacher Education, and Professional Development
Teacher Education Specific to Reading
Every teacher must complete a university or college program for a three year bachelor’s (first) degree and, optionally, a two year master’s (second) degree, and serve a one year internship in a school. Teachers of Grades 1 to 3 must have a degree in elementary education, while teachers of Polish in Grades 4 to 6 must have a degree in Polish philology. Although reading instruction is an integral component of teachers’ responsibilities in all grades, no separate qualifications are required to teach reading.
Requirements for Ongoing Professional Development in Reading for Teachers
Polish teachers have ample opportunity for professional development. Universities offer postgraduate courses for teachers who want to become qualified to teach additional subjects. Each province contains a public in-service training center, and commercial education firms offer courses such as “I’m Good at Reading” and “Play and Read.” Though they are not obligatory, these courses count toward the promotion of teachers. Participation in school workshops on issues such as formative assessment, personal development, cooperation with parents, and first aid is mandatory for teachers.