Building a Generative Community
3 September 2024

When I hear the word “generative,” it evokes images of something dynamic, life-giving, and multidimensional. It suggests a space that is supportive, positive, and reciprocal. As we explore the concept of a generative community at Teachers CAN, these same qualities come to mind. I envision change agent teachers and allies who are active, intentional participants […]

The Power of Expansion: Building a Generative Community
8 August 2024

As a Communications and Engagement Specialist participating in the Teachers Can Fellowship immersion, I had the unique opportunity to delve deep into the theme of “building a generative community.” This immersion was a transformative experience, shedding light on the profound impact of community expansion and collective action. The insights gained from these sessions have reinforced […]

“Brighten up your corner” with 2024 fellow – Magret Botman as she reflects on her experience.
23 July 2024

Immersion two kicked off on the 20th of June 2024 in the stunning and picturesque wine lands of the Western Cape in Stellenbosch. Picture this: I flew in from Johannesburg with eight other fellows and we hit the ground running as soon as we arrived at our venue joined by other fellows from different parts of […]

Growing the network. 
23 June 2024

In an exciting start to 2024, Teachers CAN set out to achieve a never-before-experience with the network. We hosted the Fellowship and the newly developed Multiplier programme immersions concurrently. The bigger aim of this was to further establish a sense of collective voice amongst the teachers. Designing the immersion this way allowed the network of […]

Teachers CAN Exchange podcast
21 June 2024

As we move into the immersion two of the Teachers CAN Fellowship and the Multiplier programme, we as the team reflect on what it means for us to hold space, build community and how we shift from individual agency to collective agency. All of which has been truly inspired by our network of teachers. We […]

Teachers CAN Exchange 2023
2 October 2023

The Teachers CAN Exchange is an annual conference that brings the education ecosystem together in a generative community with the aim of amplifying the voices of young teachers. . The conference takes place at the fringes of World Teachers’ Day and provides a platform for young, motivated teachers to share innovative insights and solutions to […]

What’s beneath the tip of the iceberg of teacher apathy?
18 May 2023

It’s no secret that we have poor education outcomes with four out of five Grade 4 learners unable to read for meaning in any language of this country. Teachers are often blamed; their attitudes, outdated and inefficient pedagogical practices, and poor content knowledge are considered key contributors to poor education outcomes in lower quintile schools. […]

Launching the Teachers CAN research report
31 October 2022

On 15 October 2022 Teachers CAN hosted its inaugural Teachers CAN Exchange. It has been two weeks since we met in person at the Teachers CAN Exchange. What a wonderful experience that was being able to share with you the findings of the study we embarked on in 2021: An examination of young teacher experiences. Available […]

An examination of young teacher experiences.
15 October 2022

Last year, we undertook a study that explores how young teachers in South Africa understand their experiences, issues, challenges, and aspirations relative to our Teachers CAN manifesto. With the ultimate aim of bringing together different role players in the education sector to create a common understanding and base from which to work together with young […]

Teachers are key to reimagining and rebuilding education in South Africa
21 September 2022

By Andisiwe Hlungwane and Mienke Steytler The impact of COVID-19 on the South African education system is indisputable and, as schools reopen today, the Teachers’ Change Agent Network (Teachers CAN) believes that the opportunity for change lies with teachers. Teachers have always held the future of children in their hands, but never has this been […]

What the sector stands to lose as more young teachers leave the teaching profession
7 September 2022

Over the years there has been a growing concern about the rate at which young teachers are leaving the teaching profession. The reason for this occurrence is well documented and some of the key issues that keep coming up are:  1.       Poor compensation when balanced against the expectations of the job  2.      Limited support for further […]