Earlier this year, before our summer trip to Africa, we had a successful Educator Exchange Program here in the U.S. In March of 2024, 11 educators from South Africa traveled to the Bay Area and were placed across seven K-12 public, independent, and charter schools in San Francisco, Oakland, and Palo Alto.
The South African educators were assigned a peer mentor (a classroom teacher) who helped immerse them into the school culture. Educators participated in all aspects of the school day including core classes, assemblies, lunchtime, and recess. Educators also worked on a research project of their choosing (for example, one focused on gamification in math).
Teach With Africa Educators Exchange Program at Hamlin School
– A Reflection by Sanelisiwe Mabaso
“The Teach With Africa exchange program is making waves in the world of education”.
~Sanelisiwe Mabaso,
TWA Fellow, 2024.
Experience with Teach with Africa teacher exchange program:
The teacher exchange program is unique and is designed to provide fellows with an enriching experience in the field of education for South African educators, teacher Interns and mentors. It allows teachers to come together and learn from one another through collaboration and teamwork, fostering a rich cultural exchange that benefits both teachers and students. Through observation, co-teaching and sharing of ideas and teaching methodologies, South African fellows get an opportunity to explore innovative teaching methods, participate in activities and interact with students and teachers to gain an understanding of the American education system. The exposure that we get does not only broaden our perspectives but also allows us to bring back valuable teaching methods, lessons and classroom designs to our classrooms in South Africa.
The program allows an opportunity to explore the diverse city of San Francisco, exposure to different cultures and their food which fosters a deeper appreciation for diversity. The exchange program equips us with the necessary tools needed to make a difference in the field of education. I would advise teachers who are looking for a life-changing experience to consider applying for the TWA Teacher Exchange Program; it is an experience one would not want to miss.
Arrival and First Impressions:
We arrived in San Francisco to a beautiful and warm welcome from our Hosts Miss Flora, Daniella and Rachel. I have met diverse people with different racial backgrounds in and outside the school. Hamlin School for Girls is such an amazing school that empowers young girls to become independent human beings, take control of their learning and groom them to become responsible humans in society. The school embraces different cultures and educators are always willing to assist, very kind and open to any discussions. Adapting to the new environment was pretty much easy with the support from the TWA, GTI, Fellows and educators.
Having an overview of the school allowed me to shape my understanding and adapt to the new way of doing things. Being in the school has opened my mind to new and exciting adventures to explore with my learners, redirecting tasks and learning to a more learner-centred approach.
Professional development:
The teacher exchange program has contributed positively in my professional development, as I immersed myself into participating in everyday activities with the learners. I have learned that children are capable of making their own decisions and are responsible of their learning. Learners work on different tasks collaboratively as a team or group which fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills by helping one another reach a common goal. I look forward to sharing and implementing what I have learned in our South African school.
Methods and strategies learned:
1. Enquiry based learning
2. Exploration
3. Collaboration and co-teaching
4. Waiting for 100% compliance
5. Maths games to scaffold learning
6. Thumb to heart (Non verbal signals)
The main purpose of education is to teach
And empower students to grow into citizens who
Contribute to a thriving society academically,
Socially and emotionally.