„He Was not Only a Teacher for Me, but as if He Were an Older Brother and Companion” – on the Relationships between Home Teachers and Their Employers as well as the Employers’ Children in the Kingdom of Poland in the 19th Century and at the Beginning of the 20th Century

Abstract

Homeschooling started to develop dynamically after Poland had lost its independence. The factors which contributed to that growth include, among others, the authorities’ educational policy, the low quality of education in public schools, intellectual tendencies and parents’ pedagogical awareness. Guided by the belief that it was an easy profession, many people started working as home teachers. Entering home teaching profession required, however, professional training and high-level qualifications. Due to the frequent change of workplace, interpersonal skills were extremely important. They helped home teachers settle down in the employer’s house and find a common language with the student’s family.