Every hero needs a trusty sidekick

Every loved fairytale or successful story has a hero or heroine who was supported by a trusty sidekick.

The public sector of Education has increased the number of learners placed in a classroom for respective reasons. The teacher-to-learner ratio in South African public schools is now approximately 1:50 (being 1 teacher to 50 learners), and peaking beyond this total in other districts. This highlights that there is a dire need for more South African schools in the public sector, and teachers who have assistants to assist with the upkeep of classrooms.

Qualified teacher-assistants are God's gifts to teachers, and the need for more of this in the South African sphere of public education is necessary, and FYI, qualified teacher-assistants play the following roles:

1. Ensure that learners receive more individual attention.

2. Assist with transitions between teaching and learning periods.

3. Diversifying teaching-and-learning.

4. and most importantly, reduce teacher burnout. This is a major need amongst South African teachers who experience this more often.

see this article about teacher burnout: https://news.nwu.ac.za/emotional-welfare-south-african-teachers-crisis-cannot-be-ignored

Chronic teacher burnout is experienced by South African teachers on a critical level. Therefore, being assigned a teacher-assistant who is able to lighten the load helps reduce a significant amount of stress, administrative responsibilities, and minimizes challenges experienced during classroom management too. The hand-in-hand support allows learners and the teacher to flourish while the teacher-assistant gains ample experience, knowledge, and skills.

Teachers and Teacher assistants are able to create a long-lasting bond that can help create a positive more inclusive teaching-and-learning enviornment, one in which both the teacher and learners are happy in.

It would definitely take the consciousness of employers, and the support of parents to create, provide and affirm the opportunity for this growth to occur.

Because sometimes the smallest change—one more helping hand—can make the biggest difference in a child’s learning journey.