Liberating Learning is the second of three articles about education in Lithuania. Having gone through many years of occupation, once liberated, those in government saw the importance of education. Over recent years there has been a focus on leadership; and the Centre for School Improvement based in Vilnius has been influential in spearheading innovative ideas in schools. This article charts the growth of a Teach First Programme with a twist that has captivated the imagination of school leaders who have made significant changes in their schools to improve the learning outcomes for students.
Renkuosi mokyti! or Teach First Lithuania, attracts young, active, motivated, creative graduates, to enter the amazing profession of teaching and who are ready to help each child experience success and the joy of learning. Teach First Lithuania is an official partner organisation at the global educational network ‘Teach for All’, which has teacher training programmes in more than 48 countries. In Lithuania the programme is led by the Centre for School Improvement, an NGO established in 1999. Our first Teach First Lithuania cohort started working in schools in 2008.
Our aim is to target schools in areas where children are in the highest need of an inspiring role model, support and genuine attention. We work both with school leaders and our prospective teachers. In working with school leaders, we aim to help every child to have an excellent education regardless of his/her social, economic or geographical background. We support teachers on our programme so that they can empower their pupils to create a better future for themselves and all of us. Teach First fellows become change agents who bring the newest methods and attitudes into the educational process. We do this through:
- Recruiting and selecting young, active, motivated teachers with leadership potential. Out of 400 to 500 applications, only 20 to 30 graduates are selected.
- Learning and support given by our intensive training programme designed to develop pedagogical and leadership skills and individual professional support.
- Teaching experience, as programme participants work in schools for 2 years.
- Leadership skill development and taking part in a project for change in their school.
After 2 years, teachers become fellows of our Teach First Lithuania alumni movement. As teacher leaders, the intention is that they will contribute to positive change in education, policy and the society.
‘I would guess that there is not a single Renkuosi mokyti! (Teach First Lithuania) teacher who would have not dreamt even for a moment about establishing a school, about founding our common school, where we could implement all the ideas we have learned during the programme. I think that memories about the summer institute and thoughts about establishing a perfect school are uniting features connecting all Renkuosi mokyti! (Teach First Lithuania) fellow.
‘I think every day how to make all children at the Tekme school experience success and joy of learning, so that they can realise their potential and reach all their dreams when they grow up, whatever those dreams might be’.