An intern teacher at Saint Stithians College has been selected to take part in an international student-teacher exchange in California, USA, for one month.
The Thandulwazi Maths and Science Academy founded by the St Stithians Foundation runs four programmes.
One of these programmes is an intern-teacher training programme that provides teaching students on-the-job experience working alongside fulltime teachers at St Stithians College.
The programme’s aim is to positively impact the education system in South Africa by helping to produce quality teachers for schools.
Ade Avela Nanti, a final year Thandulwazi intern teacher, has been selected for this programme in California. During her exchange, she will be required to conduct action-based research on a topic of her choice and interest, and she will present these findings in the USA and here in South Africa. Nanti left South Africa on 2 March and returns in early April.
When asked what makes a great teacher, Nanti said, “A great teacher is one who is inspired by the success of her pupils.”
Bev Johnson, deputy head of advancement at St Stithians College said, “It, therefore, came as no surprise that this humble, professional and committed young intern teacher was selected as one of 16 South African student teachers to go on a month-long teaching exchange to the USA.”
Thandulwazi intern director, Thobeka Mngambi said, “Avela is over the moon as she has never travelled outside of South Africa before.
“Given the fierce competition for places on this programme, we are thrilled that Avela’s application was successful,” added Johnson.
“This exchange programme will give Avela the opportunity to teach Grade 6 students at the Hamlin School in San Francisco, and expose her to a variety of different teaching methods.”
The programme will also allow her to engage with educators in the USA, visit partner schools and universities as well as participate in Teach with Africa activities and events.
“Bon Voyage, Avela! We look forward to hearing about this wonderful professional development opportunity when she returns to South Africa in April,” concluded Johnson.
Details: For more information on St Stithians College, visit www.stithian.com
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