IMPROVING THE PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS OF TEACHERS IN VET AS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF EDUCATIONAL REFORM IN POLAND

The article attempts to discuss the problems of training and retraining of VET (vocational education and training) teachers in Poland in the process of implementing important educational reforms. The authors stress the special role of VET in society as compared to other levels of education, which main task is to provide a quality education that meets the needs of the modern labor market. The study used research methods, techniques and tools such as document verification, interview techniques and VET monitoring. The problems described in the article offer solutions that improve the work of teachers as well as the content of vocational disciplines. The results of the monitoring study involving first-level industrial and vocational schools in the Lubusz Voivodeship show the importance of teachers’ cooperation with the local labor market in order to improve the curricula according to employers' expectations. The training and retraining of teachers have been found to be an important factor in preparing students for professional tasks. In view of this, the authors proposed a model for the relationship between the educational system and the local labor market. At the same time, it is recommended that individual professional development plans be drawn up for teachers of vocational disciplines. The article presents measures that are the starting point for finding further solutions to support teachers by creating individual professional development plans that enhance professional activity according to the long-term local development programs. There is thus a need to improve the quality of teaching in VET institutions in accordance with the needs of employers and within existing educational programs.