By participating in the project, attending a course organized by a European educational institution in Greece, as well as taking part in observing a new methodology at work in a school in Iceland, we wanted to gain knowledge about planning and introducing innovative solutions on a European scale. An important element for us was to learn about effective planning of the teaching process, based on strategic school management. We wanted to raise awareness of the role of leaders and team in school management, gain knowledge on the topics of effective use of resources at school, learn about methods of professional development for teachers. In carrying out this project, we also wanted to learn how to implement transformational leadership and initiate innovations, and we wanted to improve our managerial skills. It was also important for us to collaborate and exchange ideas in an international group and observe a new approach in school practice in another European country. The knowledge, skills and experience gained allowed us to implement changes in the school, introduce elements of the new approach in education.
The Elementary School in Szyszki is a small rural institution.The school's strengths are good multimedia equipment and a close-knit, active team of teachers.Pupils in our institution feel comfortable, they have confidence in educators. However, one notices a general discouragement of students towards learning.There is a lack of independence and initiative. The school is not only the only educational center, but also the socio-cultural center of the locality, is characterized by a great influence on the life of the entire community. The head of the school, together with the teachers in consultation with the municipal unit coordinating the functioning of schools, is planning measures to introduce changes in the organization of the teaching and learning process to make it modern and more motivating for the student and the teacher. The institution needs to increase the level of knowledge and experience in planning and conducting teaching activities in a more modern form.The present project fits well with the school's needs, as the planned activities were addressed to both management and teachers.This will allow for the creation of a coherent program of activities for the entire institution, and further dissemination of good practices