What is Teaching?
A teacher, also called a schoolteacher or formally an educator, is a person who helps students to acquire knowledge, competence, or virtue, via the practice of teaching.
How Long Is A Teaching Degree In South Africa
The Bachelor of Education degree (B Ed) is a four-year, full-time degree that qualifies you to practice as a teacher within South Africa. Upon qualification, your B Ed degree allows you to register as a professional educator with the South African Council for Educators (SACE).
What are the different levels of teaching?
Levels of Teaching: Memory level, Understanding level & Reflective level
- Memory level: Thoughtless teaching.
- Understanding level: Thoughtful teaching.
- Reflective level: Upper thoughtful level.
Requirements To Study Teaching in South Africa
To become a teacher, you will need to first decide what you would like to teach and which age group. There are four different levels of teaching, namely the foundation phase, intermediate phase, senior phase, and further education and training phase.
The foundation phase includes Grade R to 3, the intermediate phase is from Grade 4 to 6, the senior phase includes Grade 7 to 9, and the further education and training (FET) phase are from Grade 10 to 12.
There are two routes which you can choose from to become a teacher:
- 4-year Bachelor of Education (BEd).
- 3-to-4-year Bachelor’s degree, followed by 1-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
Studying for a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree is considered the most direct route to becoming a teacher.
The other option is to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). This is a one-year course that is full-time, but can only be done after first completing a three or four-year bachelor’s degree.
The minimum requirements to study for a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree, will differ from university to university but applicants will need to have completed their National Schooling Certificate.
What skills do I need to be a teacher?
A good teacher has expert knowledge of their subject matter as well as great communication skills and the teacher training to convey this knowledge. Teachers need to be well organized and prepared while also being flexible enough to adapt. Patience and the ability to stay calm under pressure is also important. Classroom and time management skills are crucial for keeping lessons on track.
Can I become a teacher without a degree?
The term teacher is very broad and many people earn money from teaching who do not have a degree. That said, if you want to teach at any South African school that falls under the Department of Education, then you will need a degree.