SAOU INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INITIATIVE

The South African Teachers’ Union (SAOU) is currently the only Teachers’ Union in South Africa that can boast a history and tradition dating back to the middle of the 1800s.


The profile of the teacher as a truly dedicated professional nurturer and educator of the nation is endemic to our Mission. At the same time the SAOU recognises the importance of protecting the individual rights of the teacher to work in an environment that allows and enhances the opportunity to fulfill that vocation.


Guard and protect a noble profession.  Join the SAOU.

Delivery of globally referenced, quality education for all is critical to ultimate success. Quality education in turn, depends on dedicated, unique educator professionalism.


In order to sustain and support that professionalism the SAOU offers educators from all sectors, in-service and further training opportunities, custom designed to enhance classroom practice at all levels.


Professionalism embraces appropriate conditions of service, as a Union the SAOU also offers schools and educators, support, guidance and advice in all matters of employment.

THE SAOU PROUDLY PROVIDES QUALITY SERVICES TO BOTH THE PUBLIC AND INDEPENDENT SCHOOLING SECTORS.

SAOU INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INITIATIVE – 
SCHOOL MANAGEMENT

Understanding the Independent School –Towards an Inter-connected Ecosystem of Public & Independent Schools

Introduction: Dr Tim Nuttall, Rector of St Stithians College, presented the Independent Schools Keynote Address at the Principals’ Symposium in Port Elizabeth on 10 September 2018.

In his presentation Dr Nuttall
  • defined the nature of the Independent School and;
  • clarified the role it plays in society as similar to but distinct from the public school;
  • suggested that ultimately, an inter-connected ‘education ecosystem’ is a highly desirable education model.
Using his own school’s endeavours as illustration, he showed how to successfully manage the provision of excellence in education.

Illuminating and sometimes provocative Dr Nuttall’s PowerPoint Programme, available here for your perusal, illustrates why St Stithians College is considered to be an outstanding example of a successful Independent school.

SAOU INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INITIATIVE – 
FOR THE EDUCATOR

GOOD NEWS

Do you want guidance in the Mentoring of Student Teachers as well as Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs)?

If so, then the following information is what we have all been waiting for:

The Faculty of Education at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Helsinki, has developed an (on line) open source course entitled, “Mentoring Student Teachers.”

The course is FREE and available to ALL.

The development of the course was supported by the “EU-SA Primary Education Policy Support Programme”, via a Department of Higher Education and Training grant.

The course is practical, informative and challenging both for the Student/NQT and the experienced educator.

Engage with a professional “Life-long Learning” experience of note.

Prof Gravett, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education has indicated that she will be available to interact personally with groups/constituencies to introduce the course if they wish to have more information/input.

AND STILL MORE GOOD NEWS….

UJ and the University of Helsinki are currently working on a short learning programme (SLP) that will be offered online. The content of the SLP has similarities with the open source course, but will be at a higher level (NQF Level 8) and it will be mediated by UJ Faculty of Education academics. The University hopes to pilot the SLP during the second semester of 2018.

The SAOU will keep you posted.