Teaching in Central Europe

The Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Slovakia and the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland are companion churches to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Invited by the Slovak and Polish churches, the ELCA sends 6-12 volunteer teachers to church-related high schools for one academic year. The program began in 1991, more than 150 volunteers from the U.S. and Canada have served as teachers. The program was expanded in 2009 to include Poland.

Teaching English is the heart of the program but religion teachers and content subject teachers also may be needed. Volunteer teachers typically teach 15-22 hours a week to classes of 12-18 students. The students come with some knowledge of English. Most graduates go on to universities within their home countries or abroad.

Volunteers teach English language and literature or other subjects in a rigorous academic program to students in 8th to 13th grades. The departments have curricula materials. Teachers follow a prepared syllabus or teacher notes in order to prepare the students for the Maturita (comprehensive graduating exam) at the end of their 5th year. Teachers need to be creative, flexible and prepared to assume heavy demands of time and energy. The schools provide a teachers stipend and housing.

This is an exciting time to be teaching in Central Europe. The students are the first generation to be born since the fall of Communism in 1989. With the move toward a market economy and Slovakia and Poland’s entrance into the European Union and NATO, both countries face new challenges and opportunities. People who can speak and write English are needed in all areas of society. Volunteer teachers can help students develop language and other skills that will enable them to move ahead in their chosen careers and to serve their country.

Read more about the opportunity to teach in Central Europe: Voices from Teachers in Central Europe, Interviews from Central Europe, Useful Qualities of An ELCA Teacher-Missionary in Central Europe, Frequently Asked Questions about Slovakia and Poland, 10 Facts about Slovakia, Where in Central Europe would I Teach.

Preference will be given to applications received in the ELCA office by March 15.

Dates
Travel to Slovakia in mid-August for in-country orientation program.

Location
Up to 15 American teachers are needed each year in the schools.

Process
Volunteers apply to Global Mission as Global Mission Volunteers. Interviews are conducted in the Chicago office. A volunteer is first accepted to teach in Central Europe and later assigned to one of the schools. Preferences will be considered, but placement is based on many factors.

Terms

• Local teacher's stipend is provided by the school
• Housing and medical insurance provided
• Volunteers raise support for travel and additional expenses
• Student loans may normally be deferred

Specific Qualifications
B.A. required. English major or ESL training preferred. Participation in the life of the church is an expectation.