Page 18 - Kyalami Issue 2_2023

Kyalami Estates Corporate Brand Bible Design 26
3.0 Folder (Inner)
EDUCATION

• A Postgraduate Certificate in Education
(PGCE) in Senior Phase (SP) and Further
Education and Training (FET) Teaching.

It is important to ensure that the
chosen qualification is structured in
accordance with the Department of
Higher Education and Training’s (DHET’s)
minimum requirements for teacher
education qualifications (2015) or the
DHET’s policy on minimum requirements
for programmes leading to qualifications
in higher education for early childhood
development educators (2017).
Also of great importance is to ensure
that the chosen curriculum incorporates
teaching theory and work-integrated
learning components.
“These critical components expose
students to diverse educational settings,
which ensure that they develop the
practical skills essential for excellence
in teaching. An institution offering
Initial Teacher Education qualifications
should have a network of schools in
their area of operation that gives the
students access to differently resourced
schools, where they can get practical
experience,” notes Mokotjo.

“Because graduates are in demand “Teachers play a vital role in shaping Further, in order to access work-
integrated learning in schools, students
both domestically and abroad, teaching future generations. Therefore schools of
credentials have grown in popularity. education must be focused on preparing would need to present a valid police
When it comes to career development, dynamic and skilled teachers who will clearance certificate and register with
the SA Council for Educators (SACE) in
there is new perspective to teaching be able to enjoy a lifelong and successful their final year.
as a profession. So, teachers can move career in education by equipping them
up the ladder and opt to become for the 21st-century classroom.” Depending on the specific qualification,
mentors, or they can aspire to more of education students’ curricula will
a leadership position, such as becoming It is therefore imperative that likely include the following subjects:
the vice-chancellor of a university,” says prospective education students verify languages, natural science and
Dr Lindiwe Mokotjo, Head of Faculty: their chosen institution and qualification technology, mathematics and social
Education, at The Independent Institute carefully to confirm that they aren’t sciences, psychology for educators,
of Education. stuck in the historic education professional ethics, assessment and
framework and to ensure that they are
“Previously, teachers would mostly be strongly focused on staying ahead of the measurement, educational management
and research.
headed to a classroom for the duration latest developments and trends in the
of their careers, with only a handful field. “A quality teaching degree from a
being promoted to heads of department, reputable higher education institution
deputy headmaster or a principal. Now, Dr Mokotjo says there are a number opens the door to a rewarding,
they have a wide range of options on top of different education qualifications to interesting and varied career trajectory
of teaching including, but not limited to, choose from, for instance: – provided, of course, that students
instructional design, tutoring, coaching, are invested in lifelong learning and are
school management, educational • A Higher Certificate in Early Childhood continuously improving their skills to
Care and Education. This is an entry
consulting and the option of joining the level/introductory qualification (at NQF ensure that they can prepare learners
world of private corporate education. Level 5) in early childhood development to establish careers that will lead to a
Additionally, there is also great demand (ECD) education catering to children prosperous future,” Mokotjo says.
for qualified South African teachers
abroad,” Mokotjo says. from birth through to four years of age. “There is currently a significant and
• A Bachelor of Education (BEd) in growing need for a dynamic pipeline of
The way future teachers should be Foundation Phase Teaching (FPT) is an professional teachers who are able to
prepared has changed drastically as a undergraduate professional qualification bring enthusiasm and innovation not just
result of the expansion of the teaching aimed at preparing students to teach to the classroom, but to the education
profession. This transformation includes profession as a whole. Whereas
understanding the material being taught, learners from Grades R to 3. previously, education was perhaps not
how it is being taught, the setting in • A Bachelor of Education (BEd) in always a career of first choice for many,
which learners are being taught, and Intermediate Phase Teaching. This is an the field has now evolved and has truly
the fact that each learner is unique and undergraduate professional qualification come into its own, with new and exciting
capable of excelling when working with a aimed at preparing students to teach opportunities for ambitious young
qualified teacher, says Mokotjo. children from Grades 4 to 7. people.”

16 Kyalami Estates • CONNECT • Issue 2 • 2023