FAQ

What qualifications are required to apply for your programme?

  • A junior degree in STEM (Science, Technology, English and Mathematics). A degree that has any of the STEM subjects qualifies.

Do I need a teaching certificate to participate in your programme?

  • No, a teaching diploma is not required to participate in the programme. However, a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) is an added advantage with your STEM undergraduate degree.

How does your organisation support STEM graduates who want to transition into teaching roles?

  • A candidate is offered a temporary SACE (South African Council for Educators) certificate that allows them to teach for the duration of the 2-year programme. During this time, the candidate is advised to enrol in and complete a PGCE to become a qualified teacher.

What subjects are typically taught by participants in your programme?

  • Science (Physical Science, Life Sciences). Technology. English. Mathematics

Can you provide more information about the application process?

Step 1: Apply through the link on our website (teachsouthafrica.org.za) to become an ambassador or send an email with your CV, qualifications, and certificates to apply@teachsouthafrica.org

Step 2: A selection process of CVs from the applicant pool takes place.

Step 3: Selected candidates are put through a psychometric test.

Step 4: Successful candidates from the psychometric test proceed to the panel interview stage.

Step 5: After interviews, the selected candidates are taken through training at a 2-week academy to prepare them for their teaching role.

Step 6: Candidates, who are then referred to as Ambassadors upon completion of the academy, are placed in schools as teachers for a period of two years.

What kind of training and support do you offer to participants before they start teaching?

  • In the Training Academy, candidates undergo intensive training for two weeks focusing on pedagogy, methodology, educational values, classroom management, self-leadership, relationships and community building, administration and governance, among other things.

How are participants matched with schools?

  • Ambassadors are matched according to their specialised degree subject and the needs identified in a particular school. For example, if a school’s performance in Mathematics is low, an Ambassador with a degree in Mathematics, Statistics, or Engineering will be placed at that school to teach Mathematics.

What is the duration of the programme?

  • Two (2) Years

Is there any financial support available during the programme?

  • The programme does not offer financial support. You will be compensated with a monthly entry-level teacher’s salary according to the government teacher’s rate.

Are there opportunities for professional development and advancement within your organisation?

  • There are regular workshops, training sessions, and opportunities for our Ambassadors to participate in during the two-year period.

How do you assess the effectiveness of your programme in preparing STEM graduates for teaching roles?

  • Once Ambassadors are placed, there is an ongoing support process that involves monitoring their performance in the classroom through reports.

Can you share some success stories of participants who have completed your programme?

Are there any specific requirements or expectations for participants during their teaching placements?

  • As an Ambassador, you are required to initiate a Legacy Project. This is an initiative you start at the school as part of the school’s overall development. This could be a school choir, a girls’ programme, a rugby team, an after-school programme, etc.

How do you ensure that participants are equipped to handle the challenges they may face in the classroom?

  • Our six-step recruitment and selection process ensures that our candidates understand and are well-prepared for the classroom environment. Additionally, there’s ongoing support provided throughout the two-year programme.

What kind of ongoing support is provided to participants during their teaching period?

  • Settling into the school and community at your placement.
  • Checking on the well-being and progress of the Ambassador.
  • Providing personal development through quarterly workshops.

Can participants choose the location or type of school they want to be placed in?

  • Your placement location and school are determined by the Department of Basic Education. Therefore, candidates are placed where the need has been identified.

How do you address the need for diversity and inclusion within the teaching profession through your programme?

  • The teaching profession in SA needs an infusion of young able talent, which is exactly what the TEACH SA programme offers. Our programme enables young men and women with diverse skills to enter and impact the teaching profession.

What opportunities exist for participants to collaborate and share best practices with each other?

  • TEACH SA enables the Ambassadors to collaborate and share best practices through workshops and electronic platforms.

 Are there opportunities for participants to continue their education or pursue additional certifications while participating in your programme?

  • Candidates are encouraged to pursue additional certifications while participating in the programme on a part-time basis.