Why teacher support?

Edufundi works with teachers in primary schools because this is where we believe there is the greatest chance of making a meaningful long-term impact on learners. Every child deserves to learn from a masterful teacher in order to unlock their personal potential, but the challenges are great – especially in disadvantaged communities.

At present, most teachers do not have sufficient support to help them manage their environments or develop and improve their professional skills. The general expectation is that they will just ‘get on with it’ and learn through trial and error. If teachers are going to succeed in shaping our country’s future leaders, then they need far more support than the system currently provides.

As an organisation, Edufundi is proud to play a role in filling this gap by providing educators with meaningful on-the-job mentoring and support. Our aim is to enable them to perform their roles with confidence and skill, to the benefit of all their learners for years to come.

Knowing what you want to do is a long way from being able to do it … Every other performance profession prepares people by breaking things down into sections. We need to emphasise practising good teaching strategies rather than just thinking about them.

DOUG LEMOV, author of Teach Like a Champion

Edufundi's approach

The key to our success, and what sets Edufundi apart, is our focus on mentoring. Regular guidance in the context of a trusting relationship has been proven to be the most effective way to bring about long-term change. While workshops and training sessions form part of our overall programme, our most important work takes place when the mentor and mentee work side-by-side. Our well-trained mentors partner with teachers and school leaders to provide real-time, on-the-job guidance and support that is not only relevant, but also immediately beneficial.

Over a three – five year period our partner schools participate in three related programs.

Teach like a Champion

Six senior educators/SMT members (three in the Foundation Phase and three in the Inter/Sen Phase) receive weekly mentorship from two Edufundi mentors. This is aimed at developing masterful practitioners who can share their skills with colleagues. The content for this programme has been adapted from the work of Doug Lemov and his internationally recognised guide to excellent teaching practice.

TEACH like a Champion

Six senior educators/SMT members (three in the Foundation Phase and three in the Inter/Sen Phase) receive weekly mentorship from two Edufundi mentors. This is aimed at developing masterful practitioners who can share their skills with colleagues. The content for this programme has been adapted from the work of Doug Lemov and his internationally recognised guide to excellent teaching practice.

Lead like a Champion

The School Management Team (SMT) attends six interactive workshops (two per year) and receives follow-up guidance and support from the Edufundi Leadership Coach. The focus of this programme is instructional leadership and creating the enabling conditions required for excellent teaching and learning.

LEAD like a Champion

The School Management Team (SMT) attends six interactive workshops (two per year) and receives follow-up guidance and support from the Edufundi Leadership Coach. The focus of this programme is instructional leadership and creating the enabling conditions required for excellent teaching and learning.

Mentor like a Champion

Educators who have graduated from the TLAC Programme are equipped to become school-based mentors. With the support of the SMT these in-house mentors take over the reins once Edufundi exits the school.

MENTOR like a Champion

Educators who have graduated from the TLAC Programme are equipped to become school-based mentors. With the support of the SMT these in-house mentors take over the reins once Edufundi exits the school.

These three ‘Champion’ programmes are all based on international best practice coupled with research from South African education specialists. They work together to create a sustainable model for ongoing excellence in teaching and learning.