At Teach With Africa, we believe that education has the power to connect communities across continents, expand worldviews, and transform both students and educators alike. This spring, we were honored to welcome eleven South African educators to San Francisco as part of our Teacher Exchange Program — an experience rooted in collaboration, cultural understanding, and shared learning.
The visiting educators came to San Francisco eager to deepen their professional practice and learn from classrooms and communities different from their own.
One educator shared: “My goal was to understand different education systems, observe innovative teaching methods, and bring back valuable insights to improve teaching and learning in my context. And, my main goals were to develop my teaching skills, understand new methodologies, and build meaningful professional connections.”
Throughout their time in San Francisco educators were assigned to eight participating schools. An additional three schools welcomed educators for day-long visits. Uniquely this year, we also had three preschools invite teachers to visit their Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs!
These educators experienced not only professional growth, but genuine partnership and friendship with Bay Area teachers and school communities.
One participant reflected: “The colleagues I worked with were so welcoming and willing to hold my hand and to learn from me as well, they never got tired of me asking questions and giving my input. They took each of my ideas and implemented them in their classrooms as well.”
Another educator shared: “The most valuable part of the experience was meeting other teachers and learning about their teaching methods, motivations, and educational philosophies. Despite the vast distances between us, we discovered so much in common and built meaningful relationships.”
A vital part of this exchange program is the incredible generosity of the host families who open their homes and hearts to visiting educators. While hosting for one to two weeks is certainly a commitment, families consistently share how meaningful and rewarding the experience becomes for everyone involved.
“Hosting an educator felt like we had gained an addition to our family…it felt like we had known her our whole lives…This experience allowed my daughter and I to learn more about the culture of South Africa and very importantly, for my daughter to expand her worldview beyond our city and open her mind to another culture and way of life. I am so grateful.”
As we look ahead, we are excited for the second part of this year’s exchange, which will take place this June when San Francisco educators travel to Johannesburg for the Global Teachers Institute (GTI) Summit.
The theme for the conference is, Learning Without Walls, which recognizes that learning happens everywhere. This theme invites us to look beyond rigid educational structures, highlighting the necessity of adaptable and inclusive learning environments that respond to the unique needs of every student.
As part of the reciprocal exchange component of TWA, one of the Bay Area teachers will be paired with a school in Johannesburg to partner with the South African teacher who interned at their school in San Francisco. It will be quite a reunion!
This summer’s exchange coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising, a pivotal moment in South Africa’s history led by students demanding educational justice and equality.
During their time in Johannesburg, SF educators will engage in historical reflections, tributes, and learning experiences that honor the legacy and impact of the uprising while deepening their understanding of education’s role in social change.
Additionally, they will be invited to teach and participate at the LEAP Science and Maths Schools and the Ubuntu Maths Institute, as well as lead lessons in a newly developed TWA/GTI/Uplift Scholars program, “Learning Under the Sky,” designed for preschool students.
To all of our supporters, donors, host families, and school partners ; thank you. Your generosity makes these life-changing exchanges possible and continues to build bridges of understanding, compassion, and hope through education.
