The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is inviting retired teachers and principals to a seminar this week in Midrand to see how it could use them to help in classrooms or in the general running of schools.
Barbara Creecy, the province’s MEC for education, said the seminar would involve retired teachers who used to teach mathematics, science, accounting, technology, English second language, Geography and Biology. She said those interested in lending a hand would be registered on a database for the department to draw on when a need arises.
Some commentators believe that Creecy’s “SOS” to teachers who were put out to pasture is a hint that she doubts her department’s capacity to deliver education with its current workforce.
Said Creecy: “The department recognises that retired teachers who are physically fit have a wealth of experience and are a resource that we can tap into.”
She said the objective of the seminar is to provide a platform and opportunity to retired teachers to explore ways in which they could contribute, how they would like to do it, and the assistance that the department could offer.
“There are various ways in which retired educators can assist, including sharing their experience and abilities, assisting local children with homework, and with Saturday classes. The emphasis is on retired teachers volunteering some of their spare time and, in some cases, a small stipend can be paid to cover local transport and lunch,” said Creecy.
Creecy’s announcement is in line with that of President Jacob Zuma and Premier Nomvula Mokonyane’s statements that education is a priority for the country and province.
“The Gauteng Department of Education is committed to ensuring that every learner does well at school and leaves our institutions with the values, knowledge, skills and qualifications that will give them the best chance of success in adult life,” said Creecy.