Recognising the challenges many new teachers face in their first year of work, an upcoming winter school programme will offer the psychosocial support they need to own the classroom and enrich young minds.
Cape Town, South Africa (09 May 2025) – Teaching is one of those truly special professions. It carries the important responsibility of nurturing and developing young minds, equipping them with the tools and skills necessary to become independent individuals who contribute positively to society. This is a task we imagine to be fulfilling, but equally demanding too.
As part of supporting our primary and high school teachers and the life-enriching work they do, a Newly Qualified Teachers (NQT) Project through the University of Cape Town (UCT) provides critical support during their first year in the classroom.
The project focuses on developing teachers’ professional resilience, providing them with the psychosocial support necessary to navigate this first, rigorous year in their new careers.
The project offers a variety of online and in-person professional development opportunities throughout the year. In July, newly qualified Grade 1-12 teachers from all over the country are invited to attend the NQT Winter School during the winter holidays, where they will get to immerse themselves in a large offering of free professional development workshops over three days.
There, teachers will get to leave with many practical ideas, tools and resources that will help them in their classrooms.
According to Judith Sacks, who runs the NQT Project, the event started as a professional development for NQTs, but in the past years has grown, with many experienced teachers, principals, and even Curriculum Advisors eager to attend, collaborate, network and learn.
“Teachers came from as far away as Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Northern Cape last year to take part.
“Our teachers’ willingness to give up some of their holidays is a testament to their dedication and desire for professional development,” Judith explains.
The winter school will run from 15 to 17 July at the UCT School of Education. For more information, email Judith at judy.sacks@uct.ac.za
Sources: Supplied
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