Teaching Jobs

Educators possess a range of talents, they can excel in teaching students of all ages, backgrounds and academic disciplines. The qualifications needed for teaching vary according to the grade level and subject matter being taught, whether it be pre-school or high school, education for special needs or remote teaching.

Many may think that teachers have an easy time with school holidays and short days, though there is one constant amongst teachers: their workday extends far beyond the classroom. While leading class discussions is an important aspect of their job, a teachers role encompasses much more as they impact the lives of their students, families and community.

The primary responsibility of a teacher is to create an engaging and conducive learning environment for students. Teaching involves creating lesson plans, delivering lectures, facilitating discussions, evaluating student performance, providing feedback, and maintaining classroom discipline.

One crucial aspect of a teaching job is the ability to adapt to different students' needs and learning styles. Every class comprises individuals with varying abilities and backgrounds. 

Another crucial element of being a teacher is staying up to date with the latest educational practices and curriculum changes. Teachers need to continuously improve their own knowledge in order to provide high-quality instruction for their students. This may involve attending professional development workshops or taking additional courses related to their subject area or teaching methodologies.

Being passionate about teaching is vital in this profession. A love for education can inspire teachers to motivate and support their students beyond academic matters. It means investing time and effort into nurturing not only academic growth but also personal development by building relationships with each individual learner.

Another significant part of a teaching job also involves collaborating with other educators as well as parents/guardians for the betterment of children's education. Working alongside colleagues allows exchanging best practices while making important decisions collectively concerning lesson planning, assessments, and student welfare.

Being a teacher also entails fulfilling administrative responsibilities such as grading papers/exams accurately on time and completing required reports promptly. Scheduling parent-teacher conferences regularly is another essential task that maintains effective communication between school staff members and parents/guardians.

A teaching job is a diverse and fulfilling profession that goes beyond imparting knowledge in the classroom. It requires dedication, adaptability, passion, continuous learning and collaboration to effectively educate, guide and shape future generations.

Classroom Teacher

The most common and traditional role for teachers is overseeing a classroom, where they are responsible for educating and supporting their students. Classroom teachers work with students from different age groups, typically ranging from kindergarten to high school.

The responsibilities of classroom teachers include developing lesson plans, creating assignments and assessments, providing individualised instruction, managing behaviour in the classroom, and communicating with parents about their child's progress.

The advent of Covid has given a new perspective on how teaching can be achieved. Remote teaching and tutoring is amongst some of the newer ways that teaching is achieved.

Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers work with students who have learning disabilities or special needs.

Special needs teachers develop specialised instructional strategies and curricula to meet the unique needs of their students. Special needs educators often work in collaboration with other professionals such as speech therapists and occupational therapists to provide individualised support to students who require extra assistance.

Tutor

Many teachers supplement their income by offering tutoring services to students after school or during the summer.

Tutoring plays a crucial role in aiding college students with academic success strategies. A tutor's key duties include creating independence, promoting persistence, and aiding in goal achievement for their students.

Tutors offer both individual and group sessions, drawing on their own areas of expertise. Together with students, tutors review and clarify subjects taught in class, provide guidance on processes and help tackle specific problems. The focus and content of these tutoring sessions are tailored to the unique needs of each student.

Department Head

In schools and districts with larger staffs, experienced teachers may be promoted to roles like department heads or managers. In these positions, they supervise other teachers within their subject area or grade level while still teaching themselves.

Curriculum Coordinator

Curriculum coordinators play a crucial role in developing curriculum guidelines based on state standards for schools or districts they serve. This position requires extensive experience in creating lesson plans that align with district curriculum requirements while working closely with principals and administrators on school-wide programs or initiatives.

Coach/Mentor

Teachers can also take on leadership roles as coaches or mentors to guide and support new teachers. In these positions, they provide ongoing training, advice, and resources to assist their colleagues in developing effective instructional strategies.

Teaching English as a Second Language

Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) or Bilingual teachers work with non-native English speakers to improve their language skills and help them integrate into mainstream classrooms successfully. They adapt lessons and use instructional methods that cater to the linguistic needs of their students.

This is a very popular platform for teachers wishing to travel or teach abroad. English is a very sought after language worldwide. 

For those who do not wish to teach abroad, there is the option to work remotely and still see the benefits of helping students achieve and learn a new language.

A degree in education is not necessary for this role but it is advantageous to have any kind of degree and it is advisable to also complete a TEFL or TESL course, which can be done online.

Education Requirements

To become a teacher, typically you need to follow these steps:

1. Obtain your High School Matriculation
2. Choose your specialization – grade and subjects
3. Obtain a Bachelor’s degree
4. Enroll in the required Governmental Education Departments
5. Gain Practical Experience

There are two options for becoming a teacher in South Africa, both of which hold equal recognition. The most direct route is completing a four year Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree.

The other option is to pursue a one year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). This requires a bachelor’s degree that typically takes three or four years.

A consideration to be made is the age range that you would like to teach. The age ranges are clustered into approximate phases.

• Foundation Phase: (±5 – 9-year-olds): Grades R – 3
• Intermediate Phase: (±10 – 12-year-olds): Grades 4 – 6
• Senior Phase: (±13 – 15-year-olds): Grades 7 – 9
• Further Education and Training (FET) Phase: (±16 – 18-year-olds): Grades 10 – 12

State Registration

Furthermore, according to The Department of Basic Education, completion of either pathway results in becoming a certified teacher. Upon graduating, registration with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) is mandatory.

Further Qualifications

There is always room to grow and if you’re looking to upscale your teaching, UNISA lists more advantageous qualifications for teaching in South Africa. 

• High Certificates in Education
• Advanced Certificates
• Postgraduate Certificates
• Diplomas
• Advanced Diplomas
• Honours Degrees
• Postgraduate Diplomas

These are specialised certifications that teachers can pursue depending on their chosen area of expertise.

Bursaries

The good news is that with the demand for teachers in South Africa, paying for an education to become a teacher has its benefits.  Obtaining a bursary is made easy by using a government bursary like Funza Lushaka Bursary.

Continuous Learning

Education and learning never stops for teachers themselves. The Centre for Continuing Education and Training at UNISA is an innovative centre for teacher in-service training which provides quality classroom and community based education and training programmes. “The CCET is committed to providing quality classroom and community-based education and training.”

These courses help keep teachers updated with new teaching methods, technological advancements and stay current with changes in curriculum standards.

Experience

Becoming a successful teacher requires both educational qualifications and practical experience. Obtaining the right degrees and certifications is essential, but it is also important to have a passion for teaching and a desire to continuously learn and improve. With the right qualifications and dedication, you can pursue a fulfilling career in education and make a positive impact on the lives of your students.

While not always mandatory, most schools prefer candidates who have prior teaching experience. Experience can be gained through internships, volunteer work at local schools or even by assisting with extracurricular activities at your own university or school.  A practical way to gain experience is by being a teacher’s assistant, even while you are studying.

Though the skills for becoming an excellent teacher may seem daunting, most skills come naturally for those who have a passion for teaching and with some guidance and experience, most skills will become a natural part of a teachers day.

Communication Skills

Effective communication is the most vital skill for teachers to be able to convey information and ideas clearly and concisely to their students. This includes both verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as active listening. Teachers must also be able to adapt their communication style depending on the age and learning needs of their students.

Classroom Management

Managing a classroom full of students can be challenging.  The necessary skills for classroom management involve creating an engaging learning environment while you maintain discipline and order.

Teachers need to establish clear rules and consequences, use positive reinforcement techniques, and handle conflicts calmly and effectively.

Patience

Teaching requires immense patience as each student has their own pace of learning.

Teachers can become frustrated or overwhelmed by slow learners or disruptive behaviour in the classroom. The skill to remain calm and patient when facing challenges is essential for maintaining a positive learning environment.

Organisation

Without organisation skills, keeping track of lesson plans, assignments, grades, and other administrative tasks can quickly become overwhelming and undermine teaching skills.

It's important for teachers to develop effective methods of organising their materials and time so they can focus on providing quality education to their students.  This can be learnt during your study journey and also through examples from colleagues.

Cross-cultural Competence

As a proud ‘rainbow nation’ with diverse classrooms as a norm, cross-cultural competence is an essential skill for teachers.

It is important to understand and learn about different cultures, backgrounds, beliefs, values, languages and more, so that a teacher can connect with students from various backgrounds effectively.

Creativity

Great teaching often comes down to creativity. A creative approach enables teachers to think outside the box - making lessons more interesting & engaging while adapting to the different needs of students.

Flexibility

Flexibility is an important skill that allows teachers to adapt to unexpected situations such as changes in lesson plans, student needs, and technology failures.

Being able to adjust on the fly and find alternative solutions is crucial for ensuring a successful and continuous learning experience for students.

It’s important for teachers to continuously develop their craft by attending professional development workshops, collaborating with other educators, and staying updated on new teaching methods and technologies.

With the right combination of skills and a passion for education, anyone can thrive as a teacher and make a positive impact on their students’ lives.

What qualifications do I need to become a teacher?

To become a teacher, typically a bachelor's degree in education or a related field is. Additionally, you may be required to complete a teacher preparation program and obtain state teaching certification or licensure.

To become a teacher, typically you need to follow these steps:

1. Obtain your High School Matriculation.
2. Choose your specialization – grade and subjects.
3. Obtain a Bachelor’s degree in any of South Africa’s renowned Universities.
4. Enrol in the required Governmental Education Departments. Registration with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) is mandatory.
5. Gain Practical Experience

Are teaching jobs in demand?

Yes, there is an increasing demand for teachers in South Africa, “even though 15,000 teachers graduate annually, there’s still an alarming shortfall of 10,000 teachers”.

Can I choose which age group I want to teach?

Yes, during your education journey you can choose from different levels of education such as elementary, middle school, high school or university. You can also specialise in teaching specific subjects like maths, science, social studies or languages.

Age ranges are clustered into approximate phases.

• Foundation Phase: (±5 – 9-year-olds): Grades R – 3
• Intermediate Phase: (±10 – 12-year-olds): Grades 4 – 6
• Senior Phase: (±13 – 15-year-olds): Grades 7 – 9
• Further Education and Training (FET) Phase: (±16 – 18-year-olds): Grades 10 – 12

Is there room for career advancement in teaching?

Continuous learning is a must for a teacher.  Though climbing the ladder may not be a choice for all teachers, there is still career advancement for those who want to go further than the classroom.

Further education could extend to becoming a professor, or work towards becoming a school counsellor or take on a leadership position as principal of a school. Each option varies in career outlook and salary.

The percentage difference between post level 1 (PL1) and post level 4 (PL4) when considering average basic salary is 67% and when looking at percentage differences between post levels, the biggest difference is between PL2 and PL1.

This shows that promotion into school management posts still brings significant financial gains,” says The Department of Higher Education.

What are some important skills that make someone successful as a teacher?

Some of the most important skills that contribute towards a successful career in teaching include;

• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written)
• Effective classroom management abilities.
• Creativity and adaptability in lesson planning.
• Patience and empathy towards students' needs and concerns.
• Organisational skills in managing grading and lesson materials effectively.
• The ability to collaborate with colleagues and parents/guardians of students.
• Passion and dedication towards teaching and lifelong learning.

What is the average salary for teachers?

According to The Department of Basic Education, “The annual entry level for an educator that meets minimum qualification, which is currently Relative Equivalent Qualification Value (REQV) 13, or a Matric plus three years of study, is R214,908. By comparison, the minimum entry for an educator with REQV 14 (Matric plus four years of study) is R284,238.

Most new entrants to the system possess a four-year qualification or enter at the minimum of REQV14, the department.

How do I find available teaching jobs?

The best way to search for available teaching jobs is through online job portals like Executive Placements and also specific sites that cater to education or by checking school district websites. You can also contact schools or districts that interest you.

Is there a shortage of teachers in certain subjects?

Yes, there are often shortages of qualified teachers in areas such as STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematic).

If you possess expertise in any high-demand subject area, it can be an advantage when searching for employment opportunities.