Capitec Foundation: Empowering future maths teachers 

The Capitec Foundation is dedicated to transforming mathematics (maths) education in South Africa through its comprehensive Whole School Approach. This multifaceted strategy addresses the interconnected challenges within the maths education ecosystem. A key component of this approach is the Future Teacher programme, which equips aspiring educators with the skills and confidence necessary to improve maths outcomes for learners. 

Addressing teacher readiness for the education ecosystem 

The Future Teacher programme directly tackles the pressing issue of teacher readiness in South Africa’s education system. Many Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) graduates enter the classroom lacking the essential content knowledge, pedagogical skills and confidence needed to thrive. 

Initially, the programme was implemented as a pre-service teacher development initiative focused on improving the maths outcomes of learners within the Foundation’s Saturday tutorial classes. However, over time, the Foundation realised there was an opportunity for broader impact by developing competent maths teachers for the education ecosystem rather than just competent maths tutors for the Saturday tutorial classes. 

Holistic learning experience 

This shift in approach focuses on a progressive development plan that spans three years, targeting the critical years of a teacher’s preparation. The first two years concentrate on third- and fourth-year B.Ed students, equipping them with essential maths content knowledge and innovative pedagogical skills to effectively address the learning gaps. 

The final year involves selected graduates being employed by the Foundation as Hub Teachers within the Foundation’s partner school-based Technology Hubs, where they can implement their skills in a practical setting. “This change is crucial for our future educators,” noted one of the programme coordinators. “By embedding them in schools, they can directly influence student learning while also growing into their roles as educators.” 

Recognising the importance of holistic development, the programme also focuses on nurturing ‘soft skills’ such as self-esteem, motivation, emotional resilience and classroom management. This comprehensive model enables aspiring educators to facilitate effective teaching and learning, even amid the socioeconomic challenges often present in their classroom environments. As one participant shared: “The Future Teacher programme has changed my life. Before joining, I felt overwhelmed and unprepared to teach. Now, I have the skills and confidence to make a real difference in my students’ lives.” 

Participants benefit from scaffolded practical teaching experiences in controlled settings, guided by experienced mentors who provide valuable feedback and support.  

Positive impact on learners and teachers 

Since the Future Teacher programme’s inception, over 300 pre-service teachers have completed their training, positively impacting approximately 120 000 learners across more than 300 schools nationwide.  

The Future Teacher programme has had a profoundly positive impact on pre-service teachers, inspiring many to remain committed to the teaching profession at a time when they may have considered leaving. Participants consistently report that the programme equipped them with the necessary skills and confidence to excel as educators. “I became one of the most outstanding maths educators and managed to produce 100% matric results in 2021 and 2022. Because of that outstanding performance, I eventually earned myself a promotion in just three years of teaching experience,” said one participant. 

The opportunity to work with small groups of learners, supported by experienced mentors, is a recurring theme among participants. Many emphasise how this experience validated their teaching purpose, helping them navigate the often challenging environment of the education system. One teacher noted how the programme helped to “validate” their professional purpose. “The reason why I did my PGCE [Postgraduate Certificate in Education] was because I got to work with a small group of learners and had a chance to get to know them and what their challenges are. I came to understand so much about teaching and the struggles our children face,” the young graduate shared. 

The mentoring component is cited as invaluable by participants, providing pre-service teachers with focused guidance often missing in traditional university programmes due to large student numbers. Many participants highlighted the mentorship aspect as the most beneficial part of the programme, with one saying: “My mentors have been incredible. They guided me through lesson planning and classroom management in ways that my university courses never did. I feel much more prepared to face a classroom full of students now.” 

The programme has not only boosted the participants’ confidence but also enhanced their practical teaching skills. Participants have reported improvements in their maths content knowledge, classroom management and interpersonal skills. They said they appreciated that the development and support they received from the Foundation differed significantly from their university education, which often lacked a practical focus. One teacher explained: “The programme boosted my confidence in teaching maths, such that when an opportunity for taking a role of teaching grade 12 maths for the first time came, I took it with both hands.” 

The Future Teacher programme has also shifted participants’ perspectives on teaching, encouraging a learner-centred approach that fosters stronger relationships with learners. Participants have noted the importance of connecting with learners and motivating them to engage actively in their education. One participant stated that the programme motivated them to keep teaching because they could see the “real effect” they could have in children’s lives. 

Building professional networks 

The Future Teacher programme also fosters professional networking among participants, creating communities of practice where they can share resources, experiences and best practices. This sense of camaraderie is vital for those facing challenging teaching environments, ultimately reinvigorating their passion for the teaching profession and enhancing their resilience. 

Another participant spoke of the friendships they built during the programme. “I’ve built friendships and connections that will last a lifetime. Knowing I have people to turn to when I face challenges in the classroom is invaluable.”