Support for teachers’ competences in the teacher training school model – a case study

Purpose: The aim of the article is to present model Teacher Training Schools in Poland on the example of the implemented project ”Teacher Training School in the commune of Rawicz" and to present recommendations in the field of supporting teachers’ competences participating in the project. Design/methodology/approach: The article presents the Teacher Training School model as an innovative system of supporting teachers' competences. Selected aspects of the Teacher Training School functioning established as part of the project co-financed from EU funds are presented. The conclusions from the diagnostic tests (carried out for 7 supported schools, teachers and principals) were indicated in the light of their expectations for forms of support aimed at the development of professional competences. Two diagnostic methods and tools were used in the research process: CAWI survey – online survey research addressed to 66 teachers, based on respondents completing an electronic questionnaire using the Microsoft Forms tool, and CATI survey – computer-assisted telephone interview, conducted by the interviewer with 14 principals and deputy principals of schools, according to a predefined script. Findings: The results of the diagnosis of the schools’ needs, of teaching staff in particular, made it possible to specify teachers’ expectations within four subject areas (mathematics, ICT, natural sciences and language) towards the willingness to learn methods and techniques, as well as tools and technical means supporting the learning processes. At the same time, conditions for maintaining the durability of the introduced changes and strengthening the obtained effects were identified from the point of view of school principals and deputy principals. Research limitations/implications: The assessment of the effectiveness of the impact of the Teacher Training School in the commune of Rawicz presented in the article will be possible only after the completion of the project as part of the ongoing project evaluation. Practical implications: The results of diagnostic tests, including the expectations of teachers and managers, allow for detailed planning of workshops and cooperation networks in the project ”Teacher Training School in the commune of Rawicz”. Social implications: The implementation of model Teacher Training Schools in Poland will have a social dimension that will directly affect the development of teachers and indirectly increase the key competences of students. Originality/value: The presented model of the Teacher Training School as well as the conclusions of the conducted research constitute a recommendation for the needs of practical training of teachers from primary schools in Poland.

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Opracowanie rekordu ze środków MEiN, umowa nr SONP/SP/546092/2022 w ramach programu "Społeczna odpowiedzialność nauki" - moduł: Popularyzacja nauki i promocja sportu (2022-2023).