Sociopolitical aspects of the work of physical education teachers in the West Pomerania in the years 1945–1950

Abstract

The article presents a pionieer period of organization of the education system in West Pomerania in the years 1945-1950. The author shows the social and political aspects of this process and the financial conditions of employment in this profession. From the beginning of 1949 the authorities initiated an extensive action of ideological and political indoctrination of the teaching personnel. A further step was an ideological self-education of teachers and school administration. A great deal of emphasis was put on the preparation of the youth to compete at work and studies, though, probably using young people in production works and subbotniks within the ‘Serving Poland Scheme’ was of paramount importance. The number of gyms, playgrounds and equipment was insufficient and low salary did not encourage the employees to take the job. Ideologization of physical culture, an inflow of candidates for teachers from the rural areas and communities of physical workers as well as financial limitations efficiently lowered the teaching quality in this period.

Keywords

• Western Pomerania
• physical education
• years after 1945