The Teacher Development Summit of 2009 called for the development of a new strengthened, integrated national plan for teacher development. That plan is presented in this document developed and published by the Department of Basic Education.

Challenges facing Teacher Education and Development (TEDT) in South Africa are numerous. They include lack of access to quality TEDT opportunities, a mismatch in supply and demand, and a system that has failed to improve the quality of teaching and learning in schools.

The primary outcome that is sought to be achieved through this plan is to improve the quality of teacher education and development in order to improve the quality of teachers and teaching.

It applies to all teachers, from Grade R to 12. It addresses the full career lifespan of the teacher, including recruitment, preparation of new teachers, induction into the world of work, to career-long professional learning and development.

To achieve its goals, the plan identifies specific outputs for which different role players are responsible. The Department of Basic Education is responsible for two outputs: establishing a National Institute for Curriculum and Professional Development; increasing the numbers of high-achieving school leavers that are attracted into teaching.

The Provincial Education Departments must enhance teacher support at local level. This must be achieved through the development of Provincial Teacher Development Institutes, District Teacher Development Centres and Professional Learning Communities.

The Department of Higher Education and Training must establish an expanded and accessible formal teacher education system.

WEB LINKS FOR THIS ARTICLE

Click here to view Integrated Strategic Planning Framework