In an effort to bridge the gap in South Africa’s education system, Teach The Nation (TTN) is inviting passionate and dedicated novice teachers to apply for its Novice Teacher Leadership Development Program for the 2024-2025 cycle.
This initiative seeks to empower educators working in under-resourced schools by equipping them with transformational leadership skills that can enhance student learning outcomes and bring about positive change in their communities.
TTN is a proud member of the Teach For All global network, operating in over 60 countries, and is committed to educational equity in South Africa.
Teacher Leadership Development Program Overview
The Novice Teacher Leadership Development Program is a two-year fellowship designed for Post Level 1 novice teachers who are permanently employed. Selected participants will receive leadership development training while actively teaching in their schools. The program includes:
Structured Coaching and Peer Support
- Two virtual coaching sessions per month (45 minutes each) tailored to fit the teacher’s schedule.
- One Professional Peer Learning Community (PPLC) session per term (held on a Saturday).
Classroom and Community Engagement
- Support visits and classroom observations to improve teaching strategies.
- Tracking and sharing learner progress to ensure effective learning interventions.
- Participation in various surveys (Fellows, Students, and Principal Surveys) to gather insights and enhance teaching practices.
- Development and enhancement of Community Impact Projects to foster local educational improvements.
Professional Development and Certification
- Attendance at the Summer Institute in early 2025 (held during school holidays, with dates to be confirmed).
- No examinations required, but full participation and completion of all assignments and skills development pathways are necessary.
- A Leadership Certificate upon successful completion of the two-year program.
- Transition into TTN’s Alumni Program, connecting with a global network of teacher leaders.
Eligibility Requirements
TTN is seeking committed educators who meet the following criteria:
- Permanent employment in an under-resourced school (Foundation, Intermediate, Senior, or FET Phase).
- Age range: 22 – 35 years.
- Teaching experience: Between 0 and 5 years.
- Educational qualifications: A Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
- Subjects taught should include at least one of the following:
- STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Languages (Home and First Additional)
- Creative Arts (Drama, Dance, Visual Arts, Music)
- Agriculture
- IT Skills, Coding, and Robotics
- Business and Accounting
- Teaching location: Educators must be based in South Africa, specifically in Western Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, or Limpopo.
- School setting: Teachers must work in rural, township, or urban primary schools, high schools, vocational schools, or special needs schools.
- Citizenship and registration: Applicants must be South African citizens and SACE registered (or in the process of registration).
- Passion for leadership and community impact within the education sector.
Benefits of the Program
Career and Professional Growth
- SACE Accreditation Pending: TTN is in the process of registering the program with SACE, which would allow participants to earn Continuing Professional Teacher Development (CPTD) points.
- Certificate of Completion awarded after successfully finishing the two-year fellowship.
- Training in TTN’s Four Pedagogies, focusing on personal and professional advancement.
- Exposure to global best practices in education and leadership through the Teach For All network.
Leadership and Impact
- Opportunities to build and lead impactful educational initiatives in local communities.
- Support to develop stronger classroom management and student engagement strategies.
- Inclusion in a growing network of educators and mentors dedicated to transforming the education system.
Why Join the TTN Fellowship?
For many young teachers, the early years in the classroom can be challenging. The Teach The Nation Fellowship provides a structured environment where novice teachers receive ongoing support, training, and mentorship to develop into exceptional educators and community leaders.
By participating in this program, teachers will gain valuable leadership skills that will enhance their careers, enrich their classrooms, and contribute to improving South Africa’s education landscape.
How to Apply?
Applications are currently open for the 2024-2025 program cycle. Early applications are encouraged to secure a spot in this transformative initiative.
The Teach The Nation Novice Teacher Leadership Development Program is more than just a fellowship; it is a movement aimed at developing a new generation of teacher leaders committed to ensuring quality education for all learners, regardless of their socio-economic background.
Aspiring educators who are passionate about making a difference and keen on refining their leadership skills are encouraged to apply and take part in this life-changing experience.
Through this initiative, TTN is fostering excellence in education, leadership development, and community empowerment—one teacher at a time.
Check also: Air Products South Africa: Engineering Graduate Development Programme 2025