IV

Teacher training

The framework

Loving, caring and committed teachers equipped with comprehensive knowledge of early child learning pedagogies have an incredible potential to ignite the spark of learning in young children. There is a great need for quality training and mentoring of early childhood educators so that they can help children on their path towards lifelong learning during this crucial window of development. In short, teachers have the potential to shape the course of a child’s life, and play an essential role in building the future of South Africa. The professional development of the carers of young children is a top priority for us. We facilitate both formal and informal teacher training on an ongoing basis. 

Formal teacher training provides the qualifications that teachers obtain. These qualifications are important because they ensure that certain standards of quality are met, while recognising teachers for their professional qualifications and providing them regular opportunities to develop their skills. Informal teacher training is a continuous cycle of action, reflection and documentation that teachers immerse themselves in as they work with the children. Completing this cycle in conversation with the pedagogic lead on the project provides an opportunity for ongoing feedback, mentoring and quality assurance. We bring to life the link between theory and practice in a way that the teacher becomes aware of all the complexities of learning. 

The approach

Our model led us to actual classroom mentorship. We work with the teacher in the classroom. We have been working on developing our work into an enrichment program for teachers. Bringing theory and practice into reality. Some teachers are acquiring their formal qualifications, and this is a way for them to learn the practical aspect of their studies. We have conducted and designed various teacher training modules, and have learned that there is a much greater understanding of how children learn if we create the environment and learning experiences in a practical way, whilst guiding their observations and ideas. 

Knowing how to self-regulate is a skill that a child is still learning. Adult carers and parents may also benefit from awareness, guidance and practice in self-regulation as a foundational approach. In the program, practitioners are mentored in planning and preparing activities for the children in their class, and supporting the parents of the children they teach. Creative workshops are held to make beautiful things for the classrooms, while supporting healing and creativity in the wider circles of the community. Underpinned by imagination and a healing-centred approach, our efforts will nourish the resources that practitioners, parents and children already have. Our existing partnership with sp(i)eel arts therapies collective hold the space for this kind of trauma integration of everyone that is still learning to self-regulate. 

Related principles​

Make a difference

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Non-Profit Organisation:
NPO  064-942

Public Benefit Organisation:
PBO 930 035 321

Trust: IT1251/2007