Roles of an Educator

Roles of an Educator

Learning Mediator

• Mediate learning in a manner sensitive to the diverse needs of learners, including those with barriers to learning
• Construct learning environments that are appropriately contextualized and inspirational
• Communicate effectively, showing recognition of and respect for the differences of others
• Demonstrate sound knowledge of subject content and various principles, strategies, and resources appropriate to teaching in a South African context

Interpreter and Designer of Learning Programmes and Materials

• Understand and interpret provided learning programmes
• Design original learning programmes
• Identify the requirements for a specific context of learning and select and prepare suitable textual and visual resources for learning
• Select, sequence, and pace the learning in a manner sensitive to the differing needs of the subject area and learners

Leader, Administrator, and Manager

• Make decisions appropriate to the level, manage learning in the classroom, and carry out classroom administrative duties efficiently
• Participate in school decision-making structures
• Demonstrate democratic leadership, supporting learners and colleagues, and responsiveness to changing circumstances and needs

Scholar, Researcher, and Lifelong Learner

• Pursue ongoing personal, academic, occupational, and professional growth through reflective study and research in their learning area and broader professional and educational matters
• Achieve growth through pursuing reflective study and research in other related fields

Community, Citizenship, and Pastoral Role

• Practise and promote a critical, committed, and ethical attitude towards developing a sense of respect and responsibility towards others
• Uphold the constitution and promote democratic values and practices in schools and society
• Develop a supportive and empowering environment for learners and respond to the educational and other needs of learners and fellow educators
• Develop supportive relations with parents and other key persons and organizations based on a critical understanding of community and environmental development issues
• Integrate HIV/AIDS education into teaching practice

Assessor

• Understand that assessment is an essential feature of the teaching and learning process
• Integrate assessment into the teaching and learning process
• Understand the purposes, methods, and effects of assessment
• Provide helpful feedback to learners
• Design and manage both formative and summative assessment in ways that are appropriate to the level and purpose of the learning
• Keep detailed and diagnostic records of assessment
• Interpret and use assessment results to feed into processes for the improvement of learning programmes

Learning Area/Subject/Discipline/Phase Specialist

• Be well grounded in the knowledge, skills, values, principles, methods, and procedures relevant to the discipline, subject, learning area, phase of study, or professional or occupational practice
• Know about different approaches to teaching and learning (and, where appropriate, research and management)
• Understand how to use these approaches in ways that are appropriate to the learners and the context
• Have a well-developed understanding of the knowledge appropriate to the specialism