How to Become A Grade R Teacher In South Africa

Grade R teachers teach Grade R within a prescribed curriculum, according to the relevant Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) documents.

How Long Does A Diploma In Grade R Teaching Take?

It takes about 3 to 4 years to complete a diploma in Grade R teaching.

What Do Grade R Teachers Do?

Grade R teachers play an important role in the early development of children. They do not formally teach language, mathematics and life skills, but grade R learners get to learn these fields through the use of music and play. These are the responsibilities of a grade R teacher:

Expose learners to language through play-based learning

Expose learners to the following mathematics areas through play-based activities:

Numbers, operations and relationships;

Patterns, functions and algebra;

Space and shape (geometry);

Measurement; and

Data handling

Develop learners’ life skills in the following areas:

Beginning knowledge and personal and social well-being;

Creative arts; and

Physical education

Is There A Demand For Grade R Teachers?

Yes, there is a demand for Grade R teachers in South Africa. About half of the country’s Grade R teachers are underqualified, some without a matric.

Which Teaching Subject Is Most In Demand?

Science– There are not many science teachers. If you love science, this is a great subject to consider.

Mathematics– A math teacher must love and understand math. There is a need for mathematics teachers.

Special Lessons– if you would like to work with children with special needs you can be an ELSEN (Education for Learners with Special Educational Needs) teacher. This is not a subject, but a field of study.

Foreign languages– when people move to a new country, they need to learn the language and the way of living in their new environment. These subjects help in that field. More teachers are needed to help foreign students learn languages and adapt.

How To Become A Grade R Teacher In South Africa

Becoming a Grade R teacher in South Africa starts from an interest (that can be in form of a desire or passion). But it doesn’t stop there, one must satisfy certain requirements to be qualified as a Grade R teacher in the country. These are highlighted below:

What Qualifications Do I Need To Teach Grade R

You have to be qualified before you can become a competent Grade R teacher in South Africa. Sure, aside from helpful self-education stuff that will enhance your capacity (in terms of knowing how to have a better impact on the kids and all of that), there are qualifications you are to have too. In fact, before you will be approved here, you are to meet the requirements that were set by the SACE.

If you don’t know what SACE is, you should understand that it is an organization set up by the authorities in South Africa to ensure quality teaching in the country.

SACE (South African Council for Educators) achieves its aims via putting in place structures to ensure nothing but quality through channels like Registration, management of Professional Development as well as the use of a Code of Ethics for educators in the country.

Here are the qualifications one should have:

Grade R Teacher Requirements
an Educare National Diploma (N6) OR

3-year Diploma in Grade R Teaching OR

4-year Bachelor of Education: Foundation Phase Teaching (B.Ed. Foundation Phase) OR

Bachelor’s degree other than a B.Ed. and a 1-year Post-graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE), specialising in Foundation Phase teaching.

One easy way to get along in this path is via getting an Educare National Diploma, which can be done easily (the course is an accredited course).

How much do Grade R teachers earn in South Africa?

The average salary for a Grade R Teacher in SA is R 86 300 gross per year (R 7 190 gross per month), which is 69% lower than the South Africa’s national average salary. Salary Range: a Grade R Teacher can expect an average starting salary of R 71 540. The highest salaries can exceed R 110 000.

What qualifications do you need to teach Grade R?

THE ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR THE DIPLOMA IN GRADE R TEACHING ARE: a Senior Certificate (SC) with a minimum of 50% in English; or. a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 40% in four 20-credit modules, and a minimum of 50% in English Home Language or First Additional Language; or.

Do I need matric to become a Grade R teacher?

Grade R teachers have to hold at least a diploma in grade R teaching, the departmental spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga, said. But it appears the department has been employing even those without matric certificates. The statement said the department was “assisting all provinces to ensure teachers complete NQF Level 4”.

How much does a Grade 1 teacher earn in South Africa?

Elementary Teacher Certification (Grade 1-5) Jobs by Salary

Job TitleRangeAverage
Elementary School TeacherRange:R36k – R301kAverage:R175,695
EducatorRange:R119k – R307kAverage:R197,293
TeacherRange:R49k – R286kAverage:R190,302
TutorRange:R24k – R66k

How much do South African teachers earn per month 2021?

The average salary for a Teacher in SA is R 258 060 gross per year (R 21 510 gross per month), which is 7% lower than the South Africa’s national average salary. Salary Range: a Teacher can expect an average starting salary of R 182 500. The highest salaries can exceed R 618 000.

How much do primary teachers earn in South Africa 2020?


Using data from salary database PayScale, the salary range for primary school teachers in South Africa is between R80,000 and R275,000 with the median sitting at R177,500. For high school teachers, pay increases, ranging between R120,000 and R300,000, with the median sitting at R200,000.

How much does a foundation phase teacher earn in South Africa?

The average salary for a Foundation Phase Teacher in SA is R 221 940 gross per year (R 18 500 gross per month), which is 20% lower than the South Africa’s national average salary. Salary Range: a Foundation Phase Teacher (FPT) can expect an average starting salary of R 138 260.

How much does it cost to study Grade R teaching at Unisa?

Grade R is the year of study before Grade one. The education at the Grade R level is meant to prepare children for structured lessons with formal curriculums.

UNISA Grade R Courses Fees.

Name of Course/ProgrammeCost per moduleCost per programme
Course in Teaching Foundation Phase MathematicsR2000.00

Can you teach Grade R with NQF 5?

) NQF Level 5: The Level 5 Higher Certificate in ECD is targeted at practitioners teaching Gr. R learners. Once practitioners have completed this qualification, they are eligible to apply for Department of Basic Education vacant Grade R posts.

How long does it take to study teaching at Unisa?

You will study for a minimum of four years to become a teacher in one of these fieldsthe relevant phases and/or streams. The first step to study at Unisa is to apply for admission. Information about applying is available on the Unisa applications website.