
In September 2024 an amendment was introduced to Poland's 2016 Education Law, enabling schools to hire intercultural assistants. The amendment came about in response to a significant increase in the number of foreign children attending Polish schools, primarily as a result of the mass displacement of Ukrainians caused by Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine.
The employment of an intercultural assistant is initiated upon request by the parents of a foreign student who is struggling with learning due to limited proficiency in the Polish language. The duties of an intercultural assistant include supporting children in their studies and in interactions with peers, teachers and the school administration, as well as cooperating with the child's guardians. The duration of employment for an intercultural assistant is not specified by law and depends on the school administration's decision and financial resources available.
The qualifications required for candidates seeking to become intercultural assistants are not stringent. A high school diploma is sufficient, even without pedagogical training, provided the candidate has a proficient command of the Polish language and knows the language and culture of the student's country of origin. A certificate of no criminal record is also required.
Before 1 September 2024, intercultural assistants were employed in some Polish schools, but this was not formally regulated in the Education Law. Additionally, schools can employ so-called teaching assistants for Polish or foreign children who do not have adequate Polish language skills. However, the scope of responsibilities for teaching assistants is narrower than for intercultural assistants. While employing intercultural assistants is optional and at the discretion of the school principal, the employment of teaching assistants is mandatory.
Based on the latest data from the Educational Information System, there are currently 444 intercultural assistants employed in schools across Poland, excluding teaching assistants. Experts consider this figure to be an underestimate.
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