Requirements for Teaching
Before you start looking at what is required to study to become a teacher, you need to decide what you would like to teach and which age group.
There are four different levels of teaching, namely the foundation phase, intermediate phase, senior phase, and further education and training phase.
The foundation phase includes Grade R to 3, the intermediate phase is from Grade 4 to 6, the senior phase includes Grade 7 to 9, and the further education and training (FET) phase is from Grade 10 to 12.
Teaching Requirements
As an aspiring teacher, you may choose one of two study options, which include:
- 4-year Bachelor of Education (BEd).
- 3-to-4-year Bachelor degree, followed by 1-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
When deciding which study path to follow, you need to be certain that it is the right path for you. Whichever study path you choose will lead to you being a qualified teacher.
Choosing the second option requires you to construct your degree accordingly. Keep in mind that you will need to choose certain courses during your undergraduate degree, to study a PGCE.
What Subjects Are Needed To Become A Teacher In South Africa?
Before you get to that step, you will need to choose the following matric subjects to study one of the four teaching levels:
Teaching Foundation Phase requires you to pass Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy in Grade 12 and have your Bachelor's degree.
Teaching as an Intermediate Phase teacher requires you to have passed Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy in your matric year and have your Bachelor's Degree in two of these:
- Language(s)
- Linguistics
- Mathematics and statistics
- Natural sciences
- Environmental and geographical science
- Historical studies and archaeology
- Psychology
- Music
- Fine art
- Drama
- Dance
- Information systems/computer science
- Human movement studies.
Those who would like to teach Senior School subjects need to study two teaching subjects during their degree, with a minimum of two years of study in each.
After your four years of studying, you will be required to register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE). This is the law, as all teachers need to have their registration with the SACE before they are allowed to be employed as educators.
The same subject requirements apply whether you wish to become a teacher in a public school or an independent schoo.
Teachers make a major contribution to society by educating young people and those who work there find it to be a rewarding career.
