Teachers matter – and we need more of them
Almost everyone can remember a teacher who made a lasting difference in their life. Great teachers don't just deliver educational content – they open up opportunities, ignite curiosity, and offer encouragement that can shape a child's future. But South Africa simply doesn't have enough of them.
Each year, the country produces around 15 000 new teachers – far short of the 25 000 needed. With almost half the current teaching workforce nearing retirement age, and many others taking up better-paying posts overseas, there's a growing urgency to attract, train and retain more skilled teachers locally.
Recognising this, STADIO 's School of Education is working to bridge the gap between the lecture room and the classroom. Its teacher training programmes are designed not only to attract aspiring educators, but to thoroughly prepare them for the complex and often challenging environments they'll work in.
Equipping teachers for the workplace
Teaching has always been more than a job – it's a profession that demands resilience, empathy, adaptability, and deep commitment. Today's educators face an increasingly demanding landscape: from managing large classes and limited resources to supporting learners' emotional and psychological needs, often with little external support. That's why practical, real-world preparation is critical.
Through its School of Education, STADIO equips future teachers with the tools they need to succeed. Its Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) offers a wide range of subject specialisations across the Senior Phase and Further Education and Training (FET) band, ensuring graduates are ready to teach at multiple levels. The programme is designed for flexibility, allowing students to complete it in one, 1,5 or two years – ideal for those balancing work, family or other commitments.
Delivered via distance learning, the PGCE includes essential work-integrated learning elements, such as lesson planning, classroom management, and innovative teaching strategies. Students graduate with not only theoretical knowledge but also practical, in-classroom skills that prepare them to meet the realities of South Africa's education system head-on.
Affordability is another key focus. By keeping fees accessible without compromising on quality, STADIO is making it possible for more South Africans to pursue their passion for teaching. This in turn will help address the country's growing demand for dedicated, skilled educators.
Creating teachers of the future
Although the educational landscape is rapidly evolving, with new tools and technologies available, one thing remains true: teachers matter. They change lives, shape futures, and are essential to the health of our society. By preparing and empowering the next generation of educators, STADIO is investing in a brighter, more equitable future for all.
For more information, click here for the STADIO School of Education's website.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News24
3 hours ago
- News24
‘Impractical and even sadistic': Why Gayton McKenzie thinks ministers must fly business class
Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once.
News24
4 hours ago
- News24
How Senzo Mchunu plans to fix the police
X/@SAPoliceService Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Show Comments ()
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Austin Online Academy growth more than just the numbers
Jun. 6—In late May, the Austin Public Schools District released its latest numbers reflecting graduates from its Austin Online Academy (AOA). In just three short years the number of graduates has expanded from under 10 the first year, 2022-23, to 52 this year reflecting a growing popularity of the alternative learning style the AOA offers. Even though comparing the first and third year is akin to comparing the proverbial apples to oranges, it nevertheless speaks to what the AOA can do for students not wanting a traditional education template. "I think year one was just a lot of learning of who a successful student is," said AOA and Alternative Learning Center Principal Jessica Cabeen. "Based on that knowledge and obviously the dedicated, seasoned teachers we have in that program, it's really increased." A breakdown of the numbers shows continuing inclination to explore what the AOA has to offer students in four primary areas: non-Austin students, unique districts outside of Austin, supplemental students taking up to three courses and comprehensive students taking all courses. In 2022-23, the program had just seven non-Austin students, students from unique districts and comprehensive students and no supplemental students. In the next two years, those first three areas showed rapid growth and supplemental students, while not quite so steep, still showed growth. Even between the first and second semesters of this school year, there was solid growth: —Non-Austin: Semester 1 — 37; Semester 2 — 49 —Unique Districts: Semester 1 — 24; Semester 2 — 30 —Comprehensive Students: Semester 1 — 30; Semester 2 — 44 Cabeen said there are multiple layers to the growth, but primarily she narrows it down to two areas — word getting out and the teachers in the AOA. "That word of mouth and those relationships are really what's helping brand our program," Cabeen said. The AOA falls under the alternative umbrella model of education at the school, growing on the same tree as the ALC. Both are meeting students where they are and largely that's because of flexibility in the programming. Students generally choose the AOA because of its flexibility. "The flexibility is a big piece to it," Cabeen said. "We have a lot of fifth and sixth-year seniors that really want to get that diploma, but don't want to be in a brick and mortar setting." The reasons for this can be varying, but Cabeen said it's how the program recognizes these challenges that can make a difference. "They kind of like coming to us because our teachers are a clean slate," she said. "There's no judgment, there's no guilt. We're here to help you learn and we're really excited when they make that final walk." One of the areas that has helped the AOA grow has been the NCAA endorsement, which few online schools have. It plays into the plans of students hoping to continue playing athletics in college. An example of this has been Aidan Martinez, who will be playing soccer at the University of Wisconsin and currently playing for Minnesota United FC 2, a professional developmental team in the Twin Cities. Cabeen added that there is a possibility of reaching out even further to teams like the Austin Bruins if the interest is there. "I can see us starting to branch out into some of these other amateur athletics that students are looking for," Cabeen said. Ultimately, what the numbers reflect is a growing avenue for students looking for alternative routes or even second chances. Second chances that could be life-changing. "I think what I'm noticing is that some of these students, if they wouldn't come here they wouldn't graduate," Cabeen said, picking out one story to relate of a student outside of the district that nearly aged out of his school. "I wonder for a student like that, if he hadn't had this opportunity, would his next step look different? I think that's something I'm excited about is helping support students that maybe didn't see themselves as a graduate, graduating — in a non-traditional way, but still graduating."
