Alex DiCicco
“Lead from Any Chair.” Entering this experience I was eager to learn about how I myself could access more of my potential to be a more efficient leader. What I got out of this experience was that and a greater understanding of how all parties at a school can truly be leaders regardless of where they may currently be at.
I would like to thank Teach With Africa, and the Global Teachers Institute and all the individuals involved in making this experience a reality for me. I have learned and built friendships that I hope to continue to maintain for many years to come.
The moments that I will cherish most from my experience, stem from the communities that I got to be a part of along this journey. At the Axis Summit, it was astounding how open and vulnerable GTI interns were in their openness to grow, and never was an individual judged for any statement or learning that they had made. It was moving to hear deep reflections from the interns and their plans on how to grow. The interns taught me how to let go of fears in order to reach my full potential.
Students in the school were also very welcoming, and curious about our mission, and purpose for joining them; and welcomed us with arms open, and voices filling the classrooms with beautiful singing. To share their gift was inviting, and showed the deep connections students have to their peers, and their own school pride. Additionally, student ministers led us around their school showing their pride in the school and the work that they have done to promote a community of belonging. Through artwork on the walls, to sharing their own garden space students are finding ways to lead in ways that are meaningful to them.
One of the most enriching moments from the entire experience was working with the interns in the kitchen, whilst preparing a community meal for the kids and neighbors of the Kganya Ya LeSedi School. While cutting vegetables and sharing conversations with the interns and school workers. I was asked if I wanted to learn how to make pap, a staple dish to our meal. I was coached step by step throughout the process and invited to share in this experience that brought us all together. I was welcomed to make local food, and everyone took time and care to make sure I did my best and understood.
A community is supportive, a community is meant to rally behind one another when challenges arise and with that comes moments where leading may look like taking a seat and learning. This means too that you may need to listen to those you have not given the chance to be heard and I am eager to listen and lead and thank this opportunity for showing me that.
Thank you again for this opportunity.
Peggy Laurent
The richness of this exchange program is difficult to capture in all its forms; culturally, professionally, historically, and interpersonally. The experience I had far exceeded my expectations for true exposure to the country, its people, and how GTI is effecting change through dedicated, intentional, educational program work.
I have read that because of our histories of enslavement, brutal segregation and apartheid, African Americans and Black South Africans share many commonalities and ties that are not shared with other Africans even with colonization.
I would like us to find a way that brings young African American students together with young South African students in order to inspire one another so that both groups can gather inspiration from one another to use education as a powerful tool to effect change.
I greatly appreciate how intentional GTI and TWA are about making the experience reciprocal so that we, as Americans came home inspired and invigorated to keep pushing our educational system to do better by all children, but especially those in marginalized communities. My colleagues and I recieved so much in return during this trip. I was heartened to be at the Summit and see that you are talking about and learning about the same things that we are talking and learning about; neurodiversity and understanding what is at the root of a child’s response to education and classroom expectations, the digital divide and how we teach students to be literate about technology, SEL and understanding the impact of a child’s daily experiences on classroom behavior, to name a few things. I was also struck by the sense of personal responsibility that the students have in making their community better.
We learned so much at the workshops that we can use back home. I was most struck by visiting the LEAP Math and Science Schools. The learners were brilliant, inquisitive, poised young people who are nurtured to find their best selves and to become leaders in their communities. I hope that the multinational corporations will take a sincere interest in supporting not only the LEAP schools, but all schools from preschool to high school so that the children grow up to be the leaders that South Africa deserves, politically, economically, and socially. The potential is there and I am so grateful to have witnessed it first hand. Congratulations on the Summit and the incredible work that GTI is doing to train excellent teachers. I look forward to continued collaboration.
Reggie Love
Good morning from Santa Rosa California U.S.A.
Within four hours of arriving in Joburg, I found myself along with 12 colleagues from the U.S.A. attending the graduation of the G.T.I. class of 2024.
To my surprise, I immediately recognized Cedusizi Mthethwa, and he recognized me as well, which made me feel welcomed.
In the lead-up to the graduation ceremony, I would have the pleasure of meeting a couple of young educators, one who at the age of 31 will begin the school year in the role of principal. The other young lady is the head of a department at a local high school.
During the two-day conference, I would have the good fortune of meeting with educators who seem truly committed to leading our youth on the path to success. Other highlights were meeting Dr. Massago Mercy Sepadi who was kind enough to share her entire presentation via email. Also, I had the pleasure to sit beside John Gilmore at dinner and learn what inspires him and share ideas.
Finally, the visit to Kganya Ya Lesedi was a day I’ll never forget. It was filled with fellowship and service. Seven of the U.S. contingent along with Xolile,’Chef’ Sindy, Lonwabo, Solange and others visited with the children, prepared a meal, had lunch and fed approximately 100 people from the neighborhood.
It was a great day!
Lisa Slater
Reflections. I hardly know where to begin. I’m back home, but my heart and mind are still in South Africa.
From the inspiring graduation night, to the joyful opening sounds of the summit, to every speaker, workshop, and impromptu conversation, I found GTI’s well-organized event to be energizing, liberating, and eye opening.
The motivating theme of leading from any chair was tremendously elevating to many – hopefully all educators in the room, both experienced and new to the field.
Personally, I was challenged with many questions and wonderings about how I can become more of a risk-taker and contributor within my own classroom, school, family, community, and relationship with TWA and GTI. The speakers, particularly the young principals, the exercises, such as being asked to stand on our chairs, and the workshops got me thinking deeply about power; our assumptions and expectations around who has it, and how we ourselves can intentionally exercise power through our own stories and intentional contributions.
Each workshop I attended varied significantly in structure, content, and presentation/teaching style. The Neurodiversity workshop provided a clear, well-articulated “crash course” on a topic inseparable from teaching and learning. It was fascinating to engage with such a group of neurodiverse teachers and administrators — all of us included – who work within such a range of settings. By the end of the session, some teachers raised important questions about how to identify and address different learning styles, particularly in crowded classrooms. I wish we could have headed into classrooms and problem-solved for days on end.
In Bridging the Digital Divide with Ms. Makutu, I was thrilled to learn about The Living and Learning Laboratories program – an approach so important to my thinking about teaching science and the scientific process. I knew little about the solar energy topic assigned to my small group, so I learned from a group of young teachers, all extraordinarily thoughtful, helpful, kind, and engaging. I remember thinking that any student would be lucky to work with these young people. The safe, well-supported, and inspired energy they put forth was so uplifting.
The Unlocking Possibility Thinking workshop was extraordinary. Ms. Moodley created such a remarkably safe and intimate space for connection and growth – a potent concrete actualization and extension of leading from any chair. The structured, sequenced questions she asked us to engage with brought out such vulnerability, new voices, and fresh thoughts on next steps. The simple, yet deeply thought-provoking/confronting question, “What if the story about what’s stopping you is not true?”, blew my mind. I could have spent the day in that room listening and learning; everyone was so deeply thoughtful, honest, and eloquent. I will no doubt revisit my notes on this workshop many, many times as I prepare for my school year and endless other next steps in life.
Although I didn’t participate in Rachel and Michelle’s workshop, The Importance of Open-Ended Material in the Development of Literacy, Critical Thinking, and Problem Solving Skills, this topic is certainly right in line with my approach to teaching. As we were all staying in the same hotel, I was lucky enough to have several conversations with these impressive educators as they fine-tuned their workshop and later work with preschool teachers.
I wish I could have joined Sandile and Sanelisiwe’s workshop focused on the TWA Teacher Exchange and ways of incorporating gamification in classrooms. In retrospect, I feel I should have made this workshop a priority given my recent work with Sanelisiwe in my San Francisco classroom. This said, I was thrilled to spend an Axis lunchtime with Sani sharing stories and photographs about our students and curriculums. How incredible to see Sani in her own country, in her element. Such a strong, intuitive, empathetic human being and teacher.
I’ve taught for a long time now, mentoring many while working in different school settings, but this was the first time I can remember feeling a real global solidarity and drive with other educators, particularly this crucial next generation. I was so taken by the urgency, optimism, hope, brilliance, creativity, and commitment among educators at the summit. Having heard so many stories throughout, I feel I now have at least the tiny start of an understanding of the work it takes to be a teacher in South Africa. Thanks to the theme and organization of this summit, I have been humbled. I’ve been able to put my own experience and position aside – that hierarchy we’ve discussed – and better learn alongside others with great awe and admiration.
One question surfaced in my mind throughout the workshops. Not knowing the range of teacher education and experience in each room, I wondered in some cases what context and connections less experienced teachers were able to make between the concepts presented and realities of implementation in the classroom. For example, in the science workshop, I wondered if new teachers had a sense of how to sequence related foundational pieces such as starting a topic study by finding out student knowledge, understandings, and questions, and also laying intentional, age-appropriate groundwork for collaborative learning. I did ask the question, but time considerations interfered with follow through conversations. I do fully realize that each presenter could only do so much in 90 minutes, especially with all the great participant engagement they were able to bring forth. As a newcomer to it all, I’d love to know more about the sequence and nuts and bolts of GTI teaching!
GTI’s and TWA’s partnership in grounding these summit experiences in the larger, necessary context of learning about the land, people, socio-economics, politics, and history of South Africa, was critical in helping me to understand the focus, investment, and urgency in providing the best practices of teacher education. I thought I knew something about South Africa’s history, but I was wrong. I will never forget our visits to Alexandra and Soweto. Rich explorations of neighborhoods, the tour of Mandela’s home, time at the Hector Pieterson Museum, and meetings to allow for processing of what we had just learned and were trying to make sense of, was extraordinary. Additional learning through small group trips to such places as the Apartheid Museum, Cradle of Humankind, Constitution Hill, and Pretoria were regularly shared and processed among GTI and TWA members, everyone benefitting. I can’t tell you how much I learned from Solange, Tania, as we traveled in those vans!
The GTI team members were endlessly and impressively welcoming, positive, present, and invested in our learning. I was honored to be working with everyone involved, and only wished I could have contributed more. An added bonus that I hadn’t thought about prior to the trip, was how well the GTI and TWA team ended up clicking. I felt we traveled well together, and that the deep level of trust, respect, and camaraderie that quickly emerged, set the stage for many rich exchanges, new understandings, and growth.
Finally, the school visits were absolutely awe-inspiring. Although I was out ill for the first high school experience, I received an in-depth picture from my TWA pals. The next day, I was so taken with the LEAP School’s joyous, warm welcome, the opportunities to speak at length with the amazing teachers and students, learn about the intentional, transformative approach to teaching and leadership, and witness a deeply impactful SEL student reflection circle. It was wonderful witnessing Solange’s thrill at seeing her old interns now turned full-time teachers! I’ve never been more impressed with teenagers than with those I engaged with that day. Their bravery, honesty, thoughtfulness, exuberance, and curiosity were absolutely infectious. Our impromptu and difficult conversations about education and the elections in the United States showed me that these students have taken it upon themselves to be well-informed and interested in different perspectives. What an incredible gift for them, their families, and their country that they can grow at this school and be so forward-thinking.
As we shopped and prepared to bring food and supplies to Kganya Ya Lesedi Foundation, none of us had a clear sense of what was to come. Solange, also new to the experience, was a model of positivity, respectful risk-taking, and partnership. The confident, upbeat, humor-filled can-do spirit mirrored by the interns was fantastic; what a group. I’ll never forget the strength, patience, and warmth of Ms. Lerato Moratuwa Mokwena and others working at the home. The experience of coming together with TWA and GTI to cook and serve food, and engage with the children is with me every day, pushing me to do more. I greatly miss the two little boys I played with; they were so invested in their activities, showing so much curiosity and drive. I wish so much for them.
Apologies if I’ve gone on too long; there is still so much I am digesting.
I’ve been given a great gift to be a part of GTI and TWA. I truly hope that I can welcome another GTI student to my classroom/school this coming year. If there’s a way I can return to South Africa next summer, I would love the opportunity to engage directly in early childhood classrooms, as that work is critically foundational. As a Kindergarten teacher, I was admittedly envious at seeing images of Erin at Ikage in a grade R classroom! I so much wanted to be in that space working with the teacher and her students. I also got thinking about how exciting it would be to make connections to the Learning and Living Laboratories program. Young children are, in my experience, the most excellent scientific observers and thinkers! They see, they wonder, they take risks with their learning.
I hope this reflection has been helpful; if you need more or different kinds of input, please feel free to ask. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all the incredibly challenging, intentional work you are doing, and for including me and my TWA teammates. I hope you will share my appreciation to everyone on your amazing team.
Eric Wild
As someone who has spent the better part of his adult life visiting faraway places in search of meaning, purpose, and adventure, my trip to Johannesburg with Teach With Africa and the Global Teachers Institute (GTI) stands out as one of the most powerful experiences I have had in my 50 years.
The dedication of the learners and future leaders to providing high-quality education to those from less privileged backgrounds has left me in awe. The kind, caring teachers and joyful learners we encountered filled my heart with light.
The journey began with the GTI graduation and conference, where I had numerous opportunities to learn about the mission and purpose behind GTI and Teach with Africa. A conversation with GTI founder John Gilmore at the graduation was particularly enlightening. His passionate dedication and the joy in his eyes hinted at the extraordinary experiences that awaited me.
The conference allowed me to engage with teachers and future leaders, providing valuable context before visiting their classrooms a week later. The motto, “Lead from any chair,” resonated with me as we heard diverse perspectives on leadership and the challenges these educators faced. I admired their determination to build personal brands and forge paths.
The students, teachers, and administrators we met at the conference and the two schools and the home for children with Cerebral Palsy inspire me. These educators’ dedication to their craft and students is remarkable. Our interactions revealed the students’ appreciation for opportunities for a better life through education and genuine joy for learning. “Love of School” is a major theme everywhere we went. Also, it was also enlightening to give them a more accurate and nuanced view of American life and education.
The conditions in the Townships are difficult to imagine, and driving through Alex made this starkly clear. At the LEAP 3 school, the students’ uplifting spirits and commitment to seizing opportunity were profoundly inspiring. After a heartwarming welcome, we visited several classes and were allowed to sit in during live orientation. I’m grateful to the many students who shared their experiences with us and the teacher who guided the conversation with thought-provoking prompts. It was also lovely to see that they were about to open a brand new auditorium that would provide the students with an engaging place to gather and celebrate with each other.
Reflecting on this experience, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose in my role as an educator. I regret not pursuing such opportunities earlier in my career at Town School, but I am incredibly thankful to Teach with Africa and GTI for making this journey a reality. This experience will remain etched in my memory, and I now approach my calling as an educator with eyes wide open and a heart full of inspiration.