A TEFL Teacher In Poland: My Typical 2026 Daily Routine

Read more: How To Get TEFL Certified: Everything You Need To Know

Before moving to Poland, I gained experience teaching Venezuelan migrants in my home country, as well as working with children, locally. I also had the opportunity to teach students based in Hong Kong, which gave me valuable insight into different cultures, learning styles, and educational needs.

Each step of this journey has shaped me into the teacher I am today. 

Teaching abroad has not only been a career path for me, it’s been an adventure filled with growth, cultural exchange, and meaningful connections. 

If you’re considering TEFL, this lifestyle offers more than just a job, it offers a whole new way of experiencing the world.

My morning routine as an English teacher in Krakow

My day starts bright and early at 6:00 am. I like to begin with a few minutes of stretching to wake my body up and ease into the day. And honestly, I don’t know about you, but I head straight for my coffee! It’s a non-negotiable part of my morning routine.

Once I’m fully awake, I get ready for the day ahead and make sure I have all my essentials packed: my headphones, water bottle, tablet, and of course, my trusty teacher bag. Being prepared is key, especially when you have a full day of classes ahead.

I arrive at school by 8:30 am, ready to start the day. Mornings usually begin with two hours of English lessons, and I love this time because both the students and I are still fresh and full of energy. It sets the tone for the rest of the day and gives me a chance to dive straight into teaching.

Managing the midday TEFL workload and lesson planning

My midday routine is a nice balance between productivity and connection with my students. 

I usually have about a 1.5-hour break between classes, which I use to reset and prepare for the rest of the day. During this time, I plan upcoming lessons, prep materials, print what I need, respond to emails, and catch up on any marking or paperwork.

Read more: Lesson Planning On A Budget: Smart, Low-Cost Ideas For TEFL Teachers

It’s also the perfect moment to grab a coffee and recharge a little. Coffee breaks quickly became one of my favourite parts of the day, not just for the caffeine, but for the connection. It’s when I get to catch up with fellow teachers, share how our lessons are going, and of course, have a few laughs about the day. Those small moments really make a difference and remind you that you’re not alone in the experience.

This time also allows me to reflect on how the morning lessons went and make any quick adjustments if needed.

That flexibility is something I really value, as it helps me grow and adapt as a teacher.

Polish school lunches and mid-day downtime

One of my favourite parts of the day is lunchtime with the children. We sit together and enjoy traditional Polish meals, which has been such a meaningful cultural experience for me. Some common dishes include pierogi ruskie (dumplings), rosół (a comforting chicken soup), and hearty meals like goulash served with groats and a side of pickled salad. The meals are always warm, balanced, and very filling, definitely something I’ve come to appreciate about Polish schools.

After lunch, I guide the children through cleaning up and getting settled back into the classroom. We usually begin with a short circle time to help everyone refocus, reconnect, and gently transition back into learning before continuing with our English lessons.

By this point in the day, the children are often a bit tired from their full morning schedule, so this is where I adapt my approach. Instead of heavy lessons, we shift into more relaxed, engaging activities that still support their English development. This can include fun games, simple speaking activities, dance-offs in English, and even group or “crew” meetings where they can express themselves more freely.

These moments are some of the most enjoyable because the children are learning without even realising it. 

Keeping the atmosphere light, fun, and interactive helps them stay engaged while also giving them the energy boost they need to get through the rest of the day.

Read more: 6 Differences Between Teaching Adults And Young Learners

Teaching English to Young Learners: Afternoon challenges

Afternoons can definitely be the most challenging part of the day but also the most rewarding. This is when I usually work with the younger learners, and by this time, you can really feel their energy levels starting to dip. They’ve had a full morning of lessons, activities, and stimulation, so it’s completely natural for them to feel a little tired or restless.

This is where your teaching creativity truly comes into play.

I’ve learned that afternoons aren’t about pushing through heavy content, but about adapting your teaching style to meet your students where they are. I focus on keeping lessons light, interactive, and movement-based. We might do songs, storytelling, role-play, games, or even quick energiser activities to bring their attention back. Sometimes the simplest activities end up being the most effective.

Read more: Brain Breaks For Young Learners

Patience is key during this time. Younger learners especially need a bit more encouragement, structure, and positivity to stay engaged. I try to create a calm but fun environment where they feel comfortable participating, even if they’re a little tired.

It’s also during these sessions that you build some of the strongest connections with your students. You see their personalities shine through, the quiet ones start to open up, and the energetic ones find ways to express themselves in English.

It may feel challenging at first, but once you find your rhythm, these afternoon classes become something you genuinely look forward to. 

They remind you that teaching isn’t just about delivering lessons but rather it’s about creating moments that students enjoy and remember.

Winding down: Reflections on a day of teaching English

As the day comes to an end, there’s a real sense of accomplishment. After a full schedule of lessons, activities, and lots of energy, it’s finally time to start winding things down.

I usually take a few moments to tidy up the classroom, organise materials, and make sure everything is ready for the next day. It’s also a good time to reflect, think about what went well, what could be improved, and any students who may need a little extra support in future lessons.

Before leaving, I often check in with other teachers, exchange a few final thoughts about the day, or simply share a quick laugh. Those small interactions really help you feel part of a team and make the experience even more enjoyable.

There’s something very rewarding about knowing you’ve made an impact, even in the smallest way whether it’s a student learning a new word, gaining confidence, or just having fun in your class.

By the time I leave, I’m usually tired but it’s the kind of tired that feels fulfilling. Teaching isn’t always easy, but moments like these remind me why I chose this path in the first place.

Krakow social life and expat community after work

One of the best parts of living and teaching in Kraków is the life you get to enjoy outside of school. 

After work, I often use my evenings for a mix of relaxation, extra tutoring sessions, and exploring the city. Occasionally, I also attend language exchange meetups, which are a great way to connect with both locals and other expats.

The social life in Kraków is truly amazing. There is always something happening – cultural workshops, live music, art events, or seasonal festivals. The city feels very alive, and there’s always an opportunity to step out and experience something new.

What makes it even better is how international the city is. Many events are organised in English, and it’s very easy to find groups and communities made up of people from all over the world. Whether you’re looking to meet fellow teachers, make friends from different countries, or join hobby-based groups, there is something for everyone.

Kraków has a way of making you feel at home quite quickly. Even if you arrive alone, you’re never really alone for long. The mix of cultures, the openness of people, and the variety of social activities make it easy to settle in and build a life here beyond the classroom.

Read more: How To Find Your Community As A TEFL Teacher

Exploring Poland: My TEFL weekend schedule

Weekends in Kraków can look very different depending on my mood, and that’s one of the things I love most about living here. Sometimes they are slow, calm, and relaxing – exactly what you need after a busy teaching week.

On those quieter weekends, I’ll often stay at home, unwind with a nice cup of coffee or a glass of wine, and spend time painting. It’s my way of resetting and enjoying some peaceful time to myself.

Other times, I’m out and about meeting friends for a walk around the city, catching up, and enjoying the fresh air. Kraków is such a beautiful place to explore, so even simple walks feel special.

And then there are the more adventurous weekends, visiting comedy shows, exploring art galleries, going to museums, or discovering new cultural spots around the city. There’s always something happening, and you’re never short of options.

What I really appreciate is the balance. You can have weekends that are completely restful or full of activity and social life. It’s flexible, and that freedom makes life as a TEFL teacher in Poland feel very fulfilling.

Tips for TEFL teachers in Poland

• Fully embrace the culture and the people around you. 

Learning even a little of the language makes a huge difference. A simple “Dzień dobry!” goes a long way, and Polish people truly appreciate when you make an effort to connect with them. At first, they may seem a bit reserved, but once trust is built, they are incredibly warm, welcoming, and supportive.

• Get involved in cultural experiences whenever you can. 

Attend local events, try traditional food, explore the mountains and forests, and learn about the different regional traditions and cakes, as there is so much richness to discover here.

• Most importantly, remember that teaching is as much about you as it is about your students.

One thing I’ve learned early on is that the way you start your day truly sets the tone for your classes. Your energy, mindset, and preparation in the morning can have a big impact on how your lessons unfold.

It might feel a little challenging at first, especially when you’re still finding your rhythm, but having a simple, positive morning routine makes a huge difference. When you show up feeling calm, prepared, and focused, your students respond to that.

• Take care of yourself.

Teaching, especially with Young Learners, can be very energetic and demanding. Make sure you’re well-rested, hydrated, and in a good headspace. When you feel your best, you’re able to give your best in the classroom.

• Above all, be patient with yourself. 

You’re learning just as much as your students are, and every day in the classroom helps you grow a little more confident in your role.

Author Bio

Written by

Chelsea Superville

Edited by Kirsten Colquhoun

Chelsea Superville is an ESL teacher and entrepreneur from Trinidad and Tobago, currently based in Poland. Her journey into teaching began with a passion for language, culture, and connection, which has grown over the past four years in the classroom. She specialises in working with Young Learners, creating playful and immersive English environments where children feel confident to express themselves. Inspired by her experiences abroad, she is now working toward building her own English language centre. Read Chelsea Superville's story →