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Since its inception in 2020, Teachers CAN has been committed to empowering teachers as change agents within their schools and communities. Over the years, the Teachers CAN Fellowship has played a pivotal role in creating a network of passionate, motivated educators dedicated to transforming education from the ground up. However, as we evolve, we recognise […]

In South Africa, a child’s educational journey is shaped by three interconnected pillars: home, school, and community. Reflecting on my years of work with organisations advocating for quality education, I’ve come to understand that education cannot be confined to the classroom. Instead, it must be seen as a holistic process supported by multiple stakeholders collaborating […]

Five years ago, we set out to build a network of young, motivated teachers who could shape the future of education by driving change from within our schooling system. We believed that by fostering agency among teachers, we could ultimately improve learning outcomes for learners across the country.   When we began our work in […]

Many young, new teachers may not fully understand what true support looks like because, unfortunately, it is often neither offered nor clearly defined in their early professional journey. So, we must ask: in a well-functioning education system, what would meaningful support for young teachers look like? What should it be? Reflecting on my own experience, […]

Teacher’s CAN found me when I knew that I needed something more from my career as a teacher. This is by no means a promotional text, but a reality of one teacher, possibly a mirror of every young teacher out there who got into this profession fuelled by the fire of being a change maker. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]