Symposium helps new teachers learn the ropes
Managing pupil behaviour and avoiding burnout were some of the issues covered during a two-day symposium for more than 400 novice teachers.
The Western Cape Education Department held the symposium at the Artscape on Friday and Saturday for a new generation of teachers coming from more than 100 schools in the Metro Central education district, including Mountain Road Primary, Chapel Street Primary, Mimosa Primary, Kewtown Primary and Thornton Road Primary.
The symposium was meant to show new teachers what support was available to them, said Alan Meyer, the department’s deputy director general for institutional development.
“We also want to share some basic skills and competencies that would be necessary for them to fulfil their roles in their schools.”
New teachers tended to be more tech savvy and open to change, he said.
“These new teachers coming through bring a refreshing view so they can interact with the tried and tested experienced teachers, which can bring a great blend to the schools.”
Ameera Abrahams, a teacher from Mountain Road Primary in Woodstock, said: “I learned a lot from the information and communications technology perspective and that is something that I would try to incorporate in my school and my classroom.”
Her colleague, Marchalene Sauls, said the symposium had made it clear that teachers were not alone. “There are avenues to seek help, so if I am struggling I don’t have to just go to my head of department. I can ask my curriculum advisor for help.”
Salma Sirkhotte, from Chapel Street Primary in District Six, said she had learnt about “having a positive mindset, implementing technology and rewarding positive behaviour”.
Her colleague, Laaiqah Gaidien, said she was trying to manage burnout. “We learnt a lot about how to cope with our work and the teacher wellness aspect of the course was valuable.”
Jamila Boda, from Mimosa Primary School in Bonteheuwel, said the symposium had given her tools she could use to become a better teacher.
“I learnt about taking care of my wellbeing as a teacher because we work so hard to give back that we tend to lose track of taking care of ourselves.”
Kewtown Primary School teacher Caron-Leigh Viret said, “I always loved teaching my pupils, though this symposium shared information on how we can care for them and support them even more.”
And her colleague, Madge Miller, said that even though she had more than 20 years of teaching experience, she was always open to learning.
“We have over 35 pupils in the classroom so its important we learn to understand their backgrounds,” she said.
Thornton Road Primary teacher Chenelle Barnack said she had done a lot of networking at the symposium. “I spoke to a lot of different teachers, and the videos and learning materials shared should be for all teachers not only the novice teachers.”
