How to Become A High School Teacher In South Africa

A high school teacher is someone who prepares and teaches academic, technical, vocational or specialized subjects at public and private secondary schools, typically from grades 9-12. The subject taught could be science, language, mathematics, history, art, English, drama, or music.

What is the typical day like for a high school teacher?

Teaching high school can be complex, and teachers complete a wide variety of tasks daily. Each day you will teach and interact with students and faculty and contribute to a safe learning environment for the students. The best way to learn more about the daily tasks and responsibilities of a teacher is to connect with someone who is currently working in this role.

What skills do I need to become a successful high school teacher?

Teachers need to be enthusiastic, organized, patient, flexible and possess excellent leadership to ensure success in their classroom.

Can I teach a different subject than the one I majored in?

Yes, you can choose to teach a different subject than the one you got your bachelor’s degree in. However, the requirements vary by state and you must be able to pass a rigorous exam covering the topic you would prefer to teach. Some states do require prior coursework in the subject you’d like to teach and you may have to take additional courses to qualify.

What does a high school teacher do?

High school teachers are responsible for teaching students between grades 9 through 12. High school teachers usually teach one specific subject like English or S.A. history, however, they may teach other subjects as well.

Their lessons are generally taught through classroom discussions and lectures. Teachers educate their students and evaluate their progress using targeted coursework, exams and projects

What Are the High School Teacher Requirements?

The requirements for a high school teacher usually begins by a systematic progress through a teacher education program. Some of the common qualifications for secondary school teaching include the following:

Take courses in a major area of study, such as science, mathematics, or English

Complete a variety of education courses

Complete and document classroom observations, in addition to a student teaching experience

Earn a bachelor’s degree (some states require a master’s degree in hand or within a specified amount of time)

Pass a certification examination to demonstrate specific subject area knowledge

Below are Some responsibilities of been a A High School Teacher In South Africa

Planning lessons in their subject matter

Evaluating students’ academic abilities, strengths and weaknesses

Teaching students in large or small groups in a classroom setting

Grading students’ assignments to track progress with lesson plans

Preparing and providing students with resources for state standardized testing

Communicating with parents and other school faculty about students’ progress

Enforcing school and classroom rules and administering discipline when necessary

Below are steps to Become A High School Teacher In South Africa

Pursue your undergraduate degree

Every state requires high school teachers to have a bachelor’s degree. It is best if you major in a teachable subject like English, math or biology while also enrolling in your college or university’s teacher preparation program.

However, each program will vary depending on the college you go to. Some colleges will have prospective high school teachers major in a subject and minor in education, and others may have students combine their degree coursework with teacher training.

Complete a student teaching internship

Many teaching programs include student teaching internships. These internships are required for every prospective teacher, and they take about one semester or 8-12 weeks to complete.

During this internship, students will begin to apply their knowledge by integrating theory and practice into teaching and learning in a hands-on setting under the supervision of an experienced educator.

Pass state examinations

Many states require future high school teachers to pass a general teaching certification test before they can apply for certification.

Requirements for certification may differ depending on the state you live in, however, all states generally require a teaching candidate to pass a subject matter competency exam and basic skills exam. Check your specific state requirements for more information.

Obtain licensure

Once you pass the state examinations, you must apply for a license or certification to teach in your state.

Your scores from the state examinations and the teacher education program as well as your bachelor’s degree will be submitted with your application to the school board. You will also be required to undergo a background check before you are approved to teach in your state.

Consider advanced education

You may choose to earn additional certifications or advanced degrees that help your resume stand out to potential employers. Some states may require you to get a master’s degree within a few years of your teaching job, to keep your teaching license. Some employers may also require you to have a master’s degree to teach specialized subject areas.

How long does it take to become a high school teacher in South Africa?

You will need about 18 months to complete a teaching diploma in South Africa.

Where can I study to become a teacher in South Africa?

Where To Study Teaching In South Africa

Unisa.

University of the Western Cape.

University of the Witwatersrand.

University of Johannesburg.

Tshwane University of Technology.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

University of Cape Town.

Stellenbosch University.

What subjects are needed to become a highschool teacher in South Africa?

Teaching as an Intermediate Phase teacher requires you to have passed Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy in your matric year and have your Bachelor’s Degree in two of these:

Language(s)

Linguistics.

Mathematics and statistics.

Natural sciences.

Environmental and geographical science.

Historical studies and archaeology.

What are the qualifications for a high school teacher in South Africa ?

How to Become a Secondary School Teacher: You need a Post-Graduation degree in a teaching subject (non-professional, degree courses) and a Bachelor of Education (B. Ed.) degree. You can pursue post-graduation in any discipline.

How much do teachers earn in South Africa ?

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.

What kind of teachers are in demand in South Africa?

Types of teachers in highest demand by 2030.

English as a Second Language (ESL). ESL educators are some of the most in demand teachers. .

Math Teaching. Another teacher subject in demand is mathematics.

Science Teaching.

Social Studies Teaching.

Special Education Teaching.

What do I need to study teaching in South Africa?

You may follow one of two routes in becoming a teacher, namely: a four-year Bachelor of Education degree (B. Ed.); a three-or four-year Bachelor’s degree, followed by a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Once completed, both routes lead to classification as a professionally qualified teacher.

Is teaching high school a good career in South Africa ?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 3.8 percent employment growth for high school teachers . You’ll need a talent for dealing with teens and a keen interest in teaching at least one specialized subject if you’re going to be a high school teacher (also known as a secondary school teacher).

Is it worth becoming a teacher in South Africa ?

Being a teacher is a good job for many people.

Many people absolutely love the profession. They get to wake up every day and motivate, educate, and even have fun with their students. But I think you do need some essential skills and key qualities to be a good teacher.

How hard is it to become a teacher in South Africa ?

In the South Africa it is not difficult to become a teacher. You can earn a earn a college degree in four years and if you pass the certification exams, obtain a teaching certificate. If you obtain a graduate degree or higher, you may earn a higher salary, depending on which state you teach in.

Is it hard to teach high school in South Africa ?

The Path to Becoming a High School Teacher Is Roundabout. Becoming a high school teacher isn’t as easy as earning a bachelor’s degree in education and taking the PRAXIS exam. High school teachers are expected to be subject-matter experts, so you’ll need a degree in your area of interest and that’s just the first step.

Is it stressful being a teacher in South Africa ?

More than three in four teachers reported frequent job-related stress, compared to 40% of other working adults. Perhaps even more alarming: 27% of teachers reported symptoms of depression, compared to 10% of other adults. There were many contributors to stress.

How many years does it take to become a teacher in South Africa ?

In general, it will take at least four years to become a teacher. Your individual timeline depends on your course of study when you decide to take your state certification exams, which subjects and grades you want to teach, and your location.