The Faculty of Education is an important role player in initial teacher education and in the further development of practising teachers, particularly in the context of meeting the educational needs and addressing the priorities of education in the Eastern Cape.
The key aim of the faculty's pre-service teacher education programmes is to develop teachers who can teach effectively and who will be able to facilitate learning in schools. The faculty also places a strong emphasis on in-service teacher education, to build capacity, equip teachers in priority areas and upgrade the qualifications of under-qualified teachers. We are committed to the development of competent leaders in education who are able to operate in diverse environments, through the provision of opportunities for well-qualified education professionals to reflect on and innovate their practice.
The faculty’s vision statement is:
To be and to nurture a dynamic community of professional teachers, leaders and scholars in education committed to co-creating a vibrant, socially just and democratic society.
Our mission statement is:
We are a faculty committed to cultivating passionate, engaged, knowledgeable, effective, ethical and compassionate teachers, researchers and leaders who are critical thinkers and agents of hope and transformation.
Through:
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Practicing humanising pedagogies;
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Enabling collaborative partnerships with relevant stakeholders, particularly students, alumni, schools, colleges, universities, communities, industries and governments;
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Using future-oriented technologies creatively; and
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Bringing the classroom into the world and the world into the classroom.
Our undergraduate, four-year B.Ed qualifications in Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase, Senior Phase and Further Education and Training will prepare you to espouse the values mentioned in the mission statement. In addition to these values, your communication and collaboration skills, empathy, and patience will be enhanced.
The Faculty’s programmes are underpinned by a Humanising Pedagogy that guides us in our practice of intentionally utilizing the histories, knowledges, and realities of students as an integral part of our teaching and learning. We view our students as critically engaged, active participants in the co-construction of knowledge. Our student teachers are encouraged to engage in classrooms practices that respect cultural differences and reflect genuine care for their learners.
We also offer a Post Graduate Certificate in Education in the Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Phase for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in another discipline. To qualify to do the PGCE you need to have completed two school teaching subjects up to NQF level 7 in your undergraduate degree. For those wanting to teach in the post-schooling sector we offer the Advance Diploma in Technical and Vocational Education (TVET). This qualification will allow you to lecture at a TVET College.
Our vibrant and dynamic Post Graduate Studies Department offers students the opportunity to pursue a BEd Honours in Educational Psychology or Language. The B Ed Honours is a stepping stone to a Masters in Education and subsequently a PhD. The Faculty of Education’s postgraduate research programmes are designed to offer you a challenging, yet supportive education research space. You will be able to acquire high quality research skills which will enable you to critically explore contemporary educational problems. Being admitted into one of these post graduate programmes ensures that you will form part of our community of practice. You will in so doing be able to learn from and engage with fellow students and researchers in the Faculty of Education. The aim of our post graduate programmes are to enable educators, managers and planners to research their own practice and to become change agents by engaging in cutting edge research. The faculty research themes include Educational leadership, Language in education, STEAM education, Educational psychology, Inclusive education, Critical education studies and Humanising Pedagogy.
I would like to encourage all our students (new and senior; undergraduate and post graduate) to work hard but also to enjoy your time in the faculty. Make sure that you attend all your classes regularly and submit your assignments on time. The university will also provide you with opportunities to engage in social, cultural, sporting and leadership activities – embrace these opportunities as it also allows you to develop critical skills that you will require as a teacher. Our faculty is committed to providing you with a learning, teaching and research environment that is supportive and enabling. Plan to be diligent, study hard and give it your all, so that you can complete your studies successfully. Hold on tight to your dreams and stay committed to your goals. Everything of the best.
Prof Heloise Sathorar
Executive Dean