Page 40 - Silver Lakes February Issue 2023

EDUCATION

THE TEACHING PROFESSION IS BOOMING

From classroom to boardroom, opportunities abound.

he education profession has “Teachers play a vital role in shaping It is therefore imperative that prospective
come a long way in the last few future generations. Therefore schools of education students verify their chosen institution
Tdecades. An education expert education must be focused on preparing and qualification carefully to confirm that they
attributes this to the growth of private dynamic and skilled teachers who will aren’t stuck in the historic education framework
education as well as to broader career be able to enjoy a lifelong and successful and to ensure that they are strongly focused on
options in the sector and better job career in education by equipping them for staying ahead of the latest developments and
prospects for graduates. the 21st-century classroom.” trends in the field.

“Because graduates are in demand
both domestically and abroad, teaching Dr Lindiwe Mokotjo says there are a number of different education qualifications to choose
credentials have grown in popularity. from, for instance:
When it comes to career development, • A Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education. This is an entry level/
there is new perspective to teaching as introductory qualification (at NQF Level 5) in early childhood development (ECD) education
a profession. So, a teacher can move catering to children from birth through to four years of age.
up the ladder and opt to become a • A Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Foundation Phase Teaching (FPT) is an undergraduate
mentor or they can aspire to more of a professional qualification aimed at preparing students to teach learners from Grades R to 3.
leadership position, such as becoming • A Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Intermediate Phase Teaching. This is an undergraduate
the vice-chancellor of a university,” says professional qualification aimed at preparing students to teach children from Grades 4 to 7.
Dr Lindiwe Mokotjo, Head of Faculty: • A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Senior Phase (SP) and Further Education
Education at The Independent Institute and Training (FET) Teaching.
of Education.

“Previously, teachers would mostly be
headed to a classroom for the duration
of their career, with only a handful being
promoted to heads of department,
deputy headmaster or a principal. Now,
they have a wide range of options on top
of teaching including, but not limited to,
instructional design, tutoring, coaching,
school management, educational
consulting and the option of joining the
world of private corporate education.
Additionally, there is also great demand
for qualified South African teachers
abroad,” Mokotjo says.

The way future teachers should be
prepared has changed drastically as a
result of the expansion of the teaching
profession. This transformation
includes understanding the material
being taught, how it is being taught,
the setting in which learners are being
taught, and the fact that each learner is
unique and capable of excelling when
working with a qualified teacher, says
Mokotjo.

38 | INTRAMUROS FEBRUARY 2023