The Funza Lushaka programme has long been the hot bed for producing young talented, dedicated and well trained teachers. In conjunction with the Independent Schools Association of South Africa (ISASA) and Investec , the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has consolidated and adopted the ‘’Teacher Assist Approach’’ to its recruitment and placement of new teachers.
The approach will see the Department of Basic Education, the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa and Investec enter into a historic and significant Public-private partnership to train 200 teacher interns in the priority subjects of maths and science. The aim is to train the teachers at high quality independent schools from 2013-2020.
It is a landmark public private partnership in the full sense as it will utilise combined resources to produce quality teachers in the priority subjects of Mathematics, Science and English. The DBE funding will cover the full study and subsistence costs of the teachers for the duration of their training through the Funza Lushaka bursary programme. ISASA schools will be used to host, train and mentor the interns; ISASA will also manage the programme which entails recruiting, selecting, placing the prospective teachers and supporting them through the duration of their internship.
Investec, who have a track record of supporting mathematics and science education at school level, have extended their focus to the critical need to develop quality teachers in these key subjects. The role of Investec in the partnership will also see them provide funding for enrichment activities such as the orientation of the new recruits, academic support, AMESA attendance as well as the mentoring meetings.
“As stated in our education strategy, Action Plan to 2014: Towards the Realisation of Schooling 2025, we are working hard to improve supply of young and qualified educators, particularly for gateway subjects. Funza Lushaka Bursary programme is one way of doing so, and thus our support for this initiative,” said Basic Education Minister, Mrs Angie Motshekga.
“This will help us in placing the just over 2000 new graduates Funza Lushaka has produced over the last three years and in tackling current teacher shortages.”
The day to day assistance of the recruits will be provided by ISASA including continuous assessment of the recruits to ensure that those who require additional support are identified and assisted accordingly. ISASA will manage aspects of the teacher’s development coupled with the support of the DBE and Investec. It is hoped that this training model will be the catalyst towards grooming the next breed of teachers.
Retention of the graduates is a key feature of the partnership. With the incentives provided by Investec and other value adding elements such as workshops throughout the year, development sessions as well as seminars on technological advancements within the classroom the recruits will certainly be developed into more well-rounded, focused and happier teachers.
The programme aims to produce confident, competent teachers, with a strong commitment to maths and science teaching as their lifelong profession. Clearly the multiplier effect of having proficient teachers in these priority subjects is a significant contribution to the teaching profession
Eligible candidates will consist of school-leavers with university entrance passes and high-quality marks in mathematics, science or English. Those with university credits or degrees in these subjects will also be among those receiving bursaries to study for a teaching degree.
Applicants for 2014, especially graduates wishing to access such bursaries can access application forms by contacting ISASA on 011 648 1331.
Enquiries and information:
www.education.gov.za
www.isasa.org
http://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za/.
