At least 15 schools are looking for teachers in different parts of South Africa to start working from January 2022, but the closing date for applications is December 10.

The posts advertised on EdUpStairs include vacancies in both high school and primary school, and are based in Gauteng and other provinces.

Here are the schools looking for educators;

Gauteng

Dowerglen High School

Dowerglen High School is located at 1st Avenue, Rietfontein 61-Ir, Edenvale, Gauteng. The school has several posts that suitable candidates can apply for:

Post 1: Temporary Post

Life Orientation Grade 8 – 11

Technology Grade 8 & 9

Post 2: Temporary Post

Life Orientation Grade 8 – 11

Creative Arts Grade 8 & 9

Post 3: Full Time SGB Post

Afrikaans First Additional Language Grade 8 – 11

Here’s what’s required:

Comprehensive CVCertified copies of all relevant qualificationsCertified copy of IDCertified copies of SACE Certificate

Send a comprehensive CV and required documentation by email to: admin@dowerglenhigh.co.za

Closing Date: 10 December 2021

Commencement Date:  January 2022

Enquiries: Principal 011 609 8227

Acudeo College Kirnkney (Pretoria West)

ACUDEO College Kirkney (Pretoria West) is located in Kirkney (Pretoria West), Gauteng, and is looking to employ an innovative, dynamic and energetic professional individual to fill the Natural Science (Senior Phase) & Information Technology (FET Phase) educator position.

The candidate needs to have a BEd in Education qualification. An Honours degree will work to their advantage.

Key responsibilities:

Help students apply concepts through classroom instruction and presentationsPrepare lessonsPrepare exam papersManage the classroomStakeholder managementWork closely with school staffCollaborate with other teachers

Requirements

Minimum 2 – 5 years teaching experienceKnowledge of CAPSSACE registeredExperience in teaching Natural Science and Information TechnologyExcellent communication skills (verbal and written)Computer literateOrganising, facilitation, and planning

Click here to apply

Applicants with relevant qualifications and experience must submit a motivation letter stating the subject they are applying for and a comprehensive CV with all supporting copies of qualifications.

Hoerskool Silverton

Hoerskool Silverton is a school at 122 De Boulevard, Silverton, Pretoria, Gauteng. The high school invites suitable applicants to apply for the SGB Grade 10 – 12 Computer Applications and Technology & Grade 8 & 9 Technology Educator Position.

The applicant must have:

A love of CAT and TechnologyExcellent content knowledge of CAT and Technology in totality.An ability to produce high quality assessments and analysis of learner academic performanceIs organised, flexible and self-motivated, with strong interpersonal skillsUses technology to enhance teaching and learning in the classroom.A belief in the potential of his/her learners, and who sees them as active participants in learningA desire to participate fully in the social, cultural, and extra mural programmes

Minimum requirements

CAT and Technology Teaching ExperienceMust be computer literatePolice Clearance CertificateAppropriate academic/professional qualificationsSACE Registration

Should you be interested in applying for the above-mentioned position, please forward CV, together will all the relevant supporting documents and the contact details of at least 3 references to principal@silvies.co.za

Closing Date: 10 December 2021

Commencement Date:  January 2022

Enquiries: Principal 012 804 6719

Ficksburg High School

Ficksburg High School is located at Langstraat 1, Ficksburg, Gauteng Province and invites suitably qualified individuals to apply for the following Departmental Teaching Posts:

Post 1: Grade 8 – 12 English Home Language

Post 2: Grade 8 – 12 Afrikaans Home Language

Post 3: Grade 8 – 12 Geography (with Agricultural Science as a recommendation)

Requirements for the post:

Comprehensive CVApplicable teaching qualificationCertified copy of IDRegistered with SACEMedium of instruction: Afrikaans and English

Send your CV and the required documentation to: office@ficksburghs.co.za

Closing Date: 10 December 2021

Commencement Date:  January 2022

Enquiries: Principal 051 933 2261

Blairgowrie Primary School

Blairgowrie Primary School is located at 40 Gavin Avenue, Blairgowrie, Gauteng, and invites suitable applicants to apply for the SGB Grade 2 Foundation Phase educator position.

Requirements:

Degree in Foundation PhaseSACE registeredPolice Clearance CertificateComputer LiterateAttributes: Team Player, Show initiative, flexible and hardworking

Please forward your detailed CV to: hr@bpschool.org.za 

Closing Date: 10 December 2021

Enquiries: Principal 011 782 5406

Carlswald House Preparatory School

Carlswald House Preparatory School is an established preparatory school in Carlswald, Midrand, Gauteng and seeks applications for the Grade R educator position.

Applicant requirements:

Hold a relevant and applicable Teaching qualificationProof of Covid vaccination requiredHave at least 3 years of experience in teaching Grade RHave a significant level of computer literacyHave experience in working with an iPad in the classroom and integrating IT into teachingHave the ability to develop and sustain new and progressive teaching ideas and work cooperatively with a team of teachersDisplay a willingness and ability to coach sportHave strong people skills and work effectively with management, staff, parents and childrenHave a significant understanding of the 21st Century child.Proof of registration with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) and a criminal clearance certificate.The candidate must be a “go–getter” with a passion for children and sport.

Qualified and experienced candidates should email their CV with a covering letter along with at least two contactable references to the Headmaster – Stewart Tagg on principal@carlswaldhouse.co.za

Closing Date: 10 December 2021

Commencement Date: January 2022

Bryanston Parallel Medium and Pre Primary School

Bryanston Parallel Medium & Pre Primary is situated at Sloane St, Bryanston, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province and invites suitable applicants to apply for the Grade 6 & 7 Afrikaans Home Language educator position.

Requirements:

LOLT: AfrikaansNecessary QualificationSACE RegisteredFully Bilingual (English/Afrikaans)Comprehensive CVRemedial/Intervention experience will be beneficialExtracurricular activity: All mainstream sports

Applications should be sent via email to: secretary@bpmp.co.za

Closing Date: 10 December 2021

Commencement Date: January 2022

Enquiries: Principal 011 706 1116

Acudeo College Crystal Park

ACUDEO College Crystal Park is in Crystal Park, Benoni, Gauteng and is looking to employ an innovative, dynamic and energetic professional individual to fill the Intermediate Phase Afrikaans and EMS educator position.

Qualifications required include a BEd in Education, and experience in teaching Afrikaans and EMS.

Responsibilities:

Help students apply concepts through classroom instruction and presentationsPrepare lessonsPrepare exam papersManage the classroomStakeholder managementWork closely with school staffCollaborate with other teachers

Requirements

Minimum 2 – 5 years teaching experienceKnowledge of CAPSSACE registeredExcellent communication skills (verbal and written)Computer literateOrganising, facilitation and planning

Click here to apply. Applicants with relevant qualifications and experience must submit a motivation letter stating the subject they are applying for and a comprehensive CV with all supporting copies of qualifications.

Closing Date: 10 December 2021

Western Cape

Leap 2 School – Gugulethu

This school is located in Leap 2 Gugulethu, Crossroads, Khayelitsha, Philippi, Cape Town, Western Cape and requires a qualified permanent Grade 10 – 12 Afrikaans Home Language Educator.

The candidate, who is expected to be experienced and competent, needs to meet the following requirements:

SACE registration or provisional registrationValid Police Clearance documentationDynamic and inspiring Educator with excellent subject knowledgeUniversity Graduate with a post graduate teaching qualification. (Post graduate studies in related field an advantage)Proven record of teaching excellence and use of effective, innovative teaching strategies including the use of computer technology within the classroomAbility to cope with a mixed ability classes, stimulating high achievers while providing adequate support to those who find the subject more difficultGood personal time management and organisational skillsStrong interpersonal skillsThe ability to work effectively and positively within a team as well as to work independently, without close supervision/guidanceExcellent written and verbal communication in EnglishCommitment to and embodiment of LEAP’s core valuesDemonstrated commitment to life-long learning and to personal professional developmentActive involvement in the school co-curricular activities with high awareness of and commitment to holistic development of learners

Email a copy of your CV and relevant qualifications to this email address: recruitment@leapschool.org.za

Closing Date: 10 December 2021

Commencement Date:  15 January 2022 (Term 1)

Somerset West Private School

Somerset West Private School is in Somerset, Cape Town, Western Cape. The school invites suitable candidates to apply for the Grade 8 – 12 Physical Sciences Educator and HOD Position.

Minimum requirements:

Must have an appropriate teaching qualification – BSc and PGCE (Senior and FET phase)Have a valid SACE registrationHave a police/sexual offenders clearance certificatePreferred Education and Experience:2 years teaching experienceKnowledge of the IEB or CAPS curriculum deliveryIEB or NSC marking experience will be an added advantage

Technical Competencies:

Computer literacy is imperativeAdvanced Microsoft Word skills for setting up assessmentsBe able to teach effectively on Google ClassroomOnline teaching skillsAbility to work effectively and comfortably on shared drives example: Google Drive and One Drive

Generic Competencies:

Self-motivated and disciplinedAbility to lead curriculum planningCo-ordinate suitable and innovative interventions and strategies to promote effective teaching and learningWillingness to teach other subjects as per the school’s operational requirementsWillingness to teach extra classes outside normal school hoursWillingness to be a Grade HeadVery strong communication skills (verbal, written & presentation)Positive interpersonal skillsEffective time managementStrong planning and organising skillsDemonstrated problem-solving abilityPassionate about the subjects taughtDriven to achieve the best results possible for learners

Attributes:

High EQAbility to build relationshipsResponsiveness to changeFlexibleManage the classroom to create an educational atmosphere in the classroomLeadership qualitiesDemonstrates initiativeSelf-starter

Please submit your CV with contactable reference, as well as certified copies of your qualifications, matric results, ID document, SACE certificate and police clearance to the following email address: generalhr@labourwise.co.za

Closing Date: 10 December 2021

Commencement Date: 17 January 2022

Melkbosstrand Private School

Melkbosstrand Private School is a Christian school situated in Melkbosstrand, Cape Town, Western Cape and is looking to employ an innovative, dynamic and energetic professional individual to fill the Permanent Grade 1 Dual Medium Class Educator Position.

Requirements:

Possess relevant teaching qualification: B. Ed or PGCESACE registered and Police clearance certification are non-negotiablesFully Bi-lingual – Afrikaans (A) & English (E) – is an essential requirementPrevious experience will be advantageous but newly qualified teachers are welcome to applyBe willing to adhere to and participate in the Christian Ethos of the schoolExperience and knowledge of the IEB curriculum will be advantageous.Ability to coach sport and extra–curricular activities would be an advantage: rugby, cricket, netball and/or tennisInnovative and willing to develop own teaching skills through planned teacher training (Keller Education)Dynamic personality with a growth mind-set; commitment to embracing and sharing new ideas and pedagogiesPassionate about teaching and learningBe confident to follow a Thematic Approach where subject integration is part of curriculumenhancementPrepared to be part of a team that is constantly evolving through self-reflection, feedback and instructional coaching

Suitable qualified and experienced candidates are invited to submit a letter of motivation, with the names and contact details of three contactable references and their abridged curriculum vitae to this email address: info@melkbosprivate.co.za

Only South African citizens or people with a valid work permit should apply.

Closing Date: 10 December 2021 @ 12h00

Interview Date: Week of 17 to 21 January 2022

Commencement date: 4 April 2022

KwaZulu-Natal

Maris Stella School

Maris Stella School is located at 558 Stephen Dlamini Road (Essenwood Road), Durban, Kwazulu-Natal. Applications are invited from suitably qualified, enthusiastic, organised and experienced individuals who believe they have the required skills and competencies to take on the Foundation and Intermediate Phase IsiZulu First Additional Language Educator Position.

Requirements:

A suitable academic and professional qualificationAt least 5 years teaching experienceA passion for teaching and for the young people whose learning you would be expected to inspireAn unequivocal commitment to working as part of an accomplished teamA willingness to work within the Catholic ethos and values of the school as well as to participate in the broader life of the school and to be involved in the school’s extramural programme.Registration with SACEAny staff member working within a school is required to have a Sexual Offenders’ Clearance Certificate

A detailed CV, 3 references and a letter of motivation should be submitted to this email address: vacancies@marisstella.co.za OR by hand at school on this address: 558 Stephen Dlamini Road (Essenwood Road), Durban, Kwazulu Natal Province

Closing Date: 10 December 2021

Commencement Date: April 2022

Limpopo

Eric Louw High School

Eric Louw High School is located at 43 Irwin Street, Musina, Limpopo. The school is looking for a qualified, experienced and competent permanent Grade 10 – 12 Mathematics and Grade 10 – 12 Engineering Graphics & Design educator.

Requirements are as follows:

Must be enthusiastic, fully committed with good interpersonal skillsMust be appropriately qualifiedSACE RegisteredMust be fluent in Afrikaans & EnglishPolice Clearance CertificateThe ability and willingness to contribute to the extra-curricular programme is required

Send your CV with the required documentation to: principal.ericlouw@gmail.com with the subject line: Application for Mathematics post

Closing Date: 10 December 2021

Commencement Date:  January 2022

Enquiries: Principal 015 534 0706

Eastern Cape

West Bank High School

West Bank High School is a co-educational facility located in East London, Eastern Cape and invites suitable candidates to apply for a SGB Teaching post to teach History Grade 8 and 9, and Social Sciences Grade 8 and 9.

Requirements

Must be able to teach subjects in both English and AfrikaansMust be registered with SACEMust be willing to participate fully to the extra-curricular programme of the schoolState additional qualifications and experience

Email your CV with the proof of qualifications to The Principal on: office@westbankschool.co.za

Closing Date: 10 December 2021

Start Date: January 2022

Free State

St Anne’s Primary and Technical High School

St Anne’s Primary and Technical High School is at 43 Argon Rd, Saaiplaas, Virginia, Free State and invites suitable applicants to apply for the following Teaching Posts:

Post No. 1: Grade 8 – 12 Afrikaans Home Language & First Additional Language

Post No. 2: Grade 8 – 12 English Home Language

Post No. 3: Grade 8 – 12 Mathematics

Grade 10 – 12 Mathematical Literacy

Post No. 4: Grade 7 – 9 Natural Sciences

Grade 10 – 12 Physical Sciences

Post No. 5: Grade 7 – 9 Creative Arts

Post No. 6: Grade 10 – 12 Life Sciences

Post No. 7: Grade 8 – 9 Social Sciences

Grade 10 – 12 Geography

Post No. 8: Grade 7 – 9 EMS

Grade 10 – 12 Economics

Grade 10 – 12 Business Studies

Post No. 9: Grade 7 – 9 Technology

Post No. 10: Grade 1 – 3 Foundation Phase Educator

Post No. 11: Grade 1 – 3 Foundation Phase Educator

Post No. 12: Grade 1 – 3 Foundation Phase Educator

Post No. 13: Grade 4 – 7 Afrikaans Home Language & First Additional Language

Post No. 14: Grade 4 – 7 English Home Language

Post No. 15: Grade 4 – 7 Mathematics

Post No. 16: Grade 4 – 7 Social Sciences

Post No. 17: Grade 4 – 6 Natural Science & Technology

Post No. 18: Grade 4 – 7 Life Skills

Requirements:

Registered with SACEPolice ClearanceCertified copies of relevant qualificationsCVCertified copy of ID

Applications should be sent by email to: saintannespths@gmail.com OR hand delivered at school at this address: 43 Argon Rd, Saaiplaas, Virginia, Free State

Closing Date: 10 December 2021

Commencement Date: 10 January 2022

Enquiries: Principal 057 101 0342

Remuneration:Negotiable market-related Location:Johannesburg, Orange GroveRemote work:Some remote work allowedJob level:Management (Snr – Executive, 5+ yrs)Type:PermanentCompany:K and K Media

Digital sales manager

Qualifigation [marketing, business or advertising]

Must have three to five years Experience as senior sales exective or manager

Roles and responsibilities

Develop digital sales strategiesManage the digital sales teamBuild and promote strong, long-lasting customer relationships by partnering with them and understanding their needs.Direct sales processes to generate revenues.Present sales, expenses reports and realistic forecasts to the management team.Generate timely sales reports.Meet with customers to discuss their evolving needs and to assess the quality of our company’s relationship with them.Present sales, expenses reports and realistic forecasts to the management team.Extensive knowledge of digital sales processes, digital platforms, technical markets, pricing models, channels of distribution, technology trends, customer buying patterns and budgeting.

Successful candidates must have

Excellent organisational and communication skills.Attention to detail.The ability to work in a highly pressurised environmentGood interpersonal skills and be able to work as part of a teamHave good telephone etiquette.Good time management skillsMust be customer service orientatedThe ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.

Company Description

K and K Media Group is 100% black owned Media Company that not only produces news for its digital and print publications, but is also a leader in content creation and digital distribution in South Africa.

Posted on 07 Dec 12:48, Closing date 5 Feb

Apply

Faith Murumbi
faith@kandkmedia.co.za
0104956212

OR

Remuneration:Negotiable market-related Location:Johannesburg, Orange GroveRemote work:Some remote work allowedEducation level:DegreeJob level:Management (Snr – Executive, 5+ yrs)Type:PermanentCompany:K and K Media

K and K Media Group seeks to provide opportunities to qualifying candidates. Applicants must have at least 3-5 years of experience.

Please send the CV to faith@kandkmedia.co.za

Finance manager

Qualifications– Bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field, such as economics, accounting, or business.

Roles and responsibilities

Responsible for the financial health of the organization.Produce financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop strategies and plans for the long-term financial goals of the organization.Help management make financial decisions.Applying and adhering to financial and operation controls and proceduresUpdating transaction records and assisting with payroll administration.Assisting with accounts receivable and payable, as well as expenses.Generating and distribution of billing

Successful candidates must have

Excellent organisational and communication skills.Attention to detail.The ability to work in a highly pressurised environmentGood interpersonal skills and be able to work as part of a teamHave good telephone etiquette.Good time management skillsMust be customer service OrientatedThe ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.

Company Description

K and K Media Group is 100% black owned Media Company that not only produces news for its digital and print publications, but is also a leader in content creation and digital distribution in South Africa.

Posted on 07 Dec 12:41, Closing date 5 Feb

Apply

Faith Murumbi
faith@kandkmedia.co.za
0104956212

OR

Remuneration:Negotiable market-related Location:Johannesburg, Orange GroveRemote work:Some remote work allowedEducation level:DegreeJob level:Management (Snr – Executive, 5+ yrs)Type:PermanentCompany:K and K Media

K and K Media Group seeks to provide opportunities to qualifying candidates in the below fields. Applicants must have at least 3 to 5 years experience.

Please send the CV to faith@kandkmedia.co.za

IT manager

Qualifications- Bachelor degree in computer science, information technology

Roles and responsibilities

Ensure regulatory compliance on all IT-related matters.Develop a consolidated technology roadmap for all companies within the Group.Manages the network and server infrastructure of the company.Securing the company’s computer systems and electronic data, development and implementation of customised systems and overseeing all computer-related activities.Help guide the technological direction of the organizations by constructing business plans, overseeing network security, and directing online operations.

Successful candidates must have

Excellent organisational and communication skills.Attention to detail.The ability to work in a highly pressurised environmentGood interpersonal skills and be able to work as part of a teamHave good telephone etiquette.Good time management skillsMust be customer service orientatedThe ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.

Company Description

K and K Media Group is 100% black owned Media Company that not only produces news for its digital and print publications, but is also a leader in content creation and digital distribution in South Africa.

Posted on 07 Dec 12:43, Closing date 5 Feb

Apply

Faith Murumbi
faith@kandkmedia.co.za
0104956212

OR

Remuneration:Negotiable market-related Location:Johannesburg, Orange GroveRemote work:Some remote work allowedEducation level:DegreeJob level:Management (Snr – Executive, 5+ yrs)Type:PermanentCompany:K and K Media

Digital editor

Qualifications- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or an English-related discipline.

Roles and responsibilities

Create and manage quality digital content.Overseeing and approving content layouts on all social media platforms.Collaborate with staff members and build relationships with clients.Assigning and coordinating written content for web publishing across all our digital platforms.Monitoring and supervising tasks to ensure that deadlines are met.Consult with the marketing department about goals, assign stories or content to writers, edit the articles, and publish them on a website.Create, edit, format and publish digital content.The successful candidate will work closely with a team of writers and graphic artists, coordinating their output for online publication.Collaborating with staff to come up with appealing content.Devise and implement social media strategiesSupervise layout of images, graphics, videos and other artwork.Improving the website, so that its content ranks higher in search engine results.Monitoring SEO figures and reporting on these.

Successful candidates must have

Excellent organisational and communication skills.Attention to detail.The ability to work in a highly pressurised environmentGood interpersonal skills and be able to work as part of a teamHave good telephone etiquette.Good time management skillsMust be customer service orientatedThe ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.

Company Description

K and K Media Group is 100% black owned Media Company that not only produces news for its digital and print publications, but is also a leader in content creation and digital distribution in South Africa.

Posted on 07 Dec 12:46, Closing date 5 Feb

Apply

Faith Murumbi
faith@kandkmedia.co.za
0104956212

OR

MALUTA Netshipale, the 2020/2021 Curro Serengeti Head Girl has secured the attention not only of one international university, but three.

She’s been provisionally accepted to study Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of Nottingham, Psychological Sciences at the University of Liverpool and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Manchester.

This as what she wants to study is not offered by local universities at degree level and is highly specialised. That said, Maluta’s offers from local universities include those from the University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand, University of Pretoria, and University of KwaZulu Natal in fields that relate to the biological sciences and medicine.

Maluta’s final choice of tertiary education provider comes down to her fascination with what makes us all human and how large a role the brain plays in our unique chemistry and make-up.

She says, “I want to understand what parts of us are inherent and what it is that we control. And from those parts that we control, how do we control them – through our brain or environmental factors?”

She is also reviewing the institutions with regards to the insight and information they provide about their courses as well as their accolades and campus lifestyle. Degrees at all institutions are three years long, although one of the universities provides the option to be placed within the industry for a year to research and write a report on her experiences and what she has gained from them.

Armed with her degree Maluta wants to practice as a cognitive therapist or cognitive behavioural therapist. She has a strong desire to help people with mental disorders and mental issues and wants to enable them, through therapy, to live fulfilling and enjoyable lives.

“My goal is to help people who struggle with their mental and emotional health by gaining a better understanding of what causes their challenges and how much of it can be altered. Mental health issues are rife all over the world. I want to help open up people’s minds to the idea of seeking psychiatric, therapeutical or medical help,” she says.

Applications to the UK universities began in May and she has just received news of her acceptance at all three. With her stellar marks ranging between 83% and 92% for her subjects of Afrikaans FAL, English HL, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Dramatic Arts and Life Orientation, it’s easy to understand her attractiveness as a future student to the international institutions.

“Maluta is not only a strong leader as Head Girl of our school, but she is also among the most academically gifted too. Her results for her Grade 12 third term were exceptional and we are so proud of her for attracting the interest of universities with such standing and reputation. Having worked consistently throughout her school years to achieve these results has paid off and we congratulate Maluta and thank her for flying our flag high,” comments Curro Serengeti’s Executive Head, Dr Sharitha Lalla.

Maluta will decide on a choice of university following the release of the Matric results, taking into consideration that the UK academic year starts in September 2022.

THE Botswana scientist who may well have discovered the omicron variant of the coronavirus says he has been on a “rollercoaster of emotions,” with the pride of accomplishment followed by dismay over the travel bans immediately slapped on southern African countries.

“Is that how you reward science? By blacklisting countries?” Dr. Sikhulile Moyo, a virologist at the Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, said in an interview Thursday night with The Associated Press.

“The virus does not know passports, it does not know borders,” he added. “We should not do geopolitics about the virus. … We should be collaborating and understanding.”

Moyo was doing genomic sequencing of COVID-19 samples at his lab in Botswana two weeks ago and noticed three cases that seemed dramatically different, with an unusual pattern showing multiple mutations. He continued studying the results and by early last week, decided to publicly release the data on the internet.

Soon scientists in South Africa said they had made the same findings. And an identical case in Hong Kong was also identified.

A new coronavirus variant had been discovered, and soon the World Health Organization named it omicron. It has now been identified in 38 countries and counting, including much of Western Europe and the United States. And the U.S. and many other nations have imposed flight restrictions to try to contain the emerging threat.

Speaking from his lab in Gaborone, Botswana’s capital, Moyo bristled at being described as the man who first identified omicron.

“Scientists should work together and the ‘who first did that’ syndrome should go. We should all be able to be proud that we all contributed in one way or the other,” said the 48-year-old scientist.

In fact, he noted that the variant was found to be something entirely new only by comparing it to other viruses online in a public database shared by scientists.

“The only way you can really see that you see something new is when you compare with millions of sequences. That’s why you deposit it online,” he said.

The Zimbabwe-born Moyo — who is also a research associate at Harvard’s school of public health, a married father of three, and a gospel singer — expressed pride in the way he and his international colleagues were transparent about their findings and sounded the alarm to the rest of the world.

“We’re excited that we probably gave a warning signal that may have averted many deaths and many infections,” he said.

Omicron startled scientists because it had more than 50 mutations.

“It is a big jump in the evolution of the virus and has many more mutations that we expected,” said Tulio de Oliveira, director of the Center for Epidemic Response and Innovation in South Africa, who taught Moyo when he was earning his Ph.D. in virology from South Africa’s Stellenbosch University.

Little is known about the variant, and the world is watching nervously. It’s not clear if it makes people more seriously ill or can evade the vaccine. But early evidence suggests it might be more contagious and more efficient at re-infecting people who have had a bout with COVID-19.

In the coming weeks, labs around the world will be working to find out what to expect from omicron and just how dangerous it is.

“What is important is collaboration and contribution,” Moyo said. “I think we should value that kind of collaboration because it will generate great science and great contributions. We need each other, and that’s the most important.”

South Africa is seeing a dramatic surge in infections that may be driven by omicron. The country reported more than 16,000 new COVID-19 cases Friday, up from about 200 per day in mid-November.

The number of omicron cases confirmed by genetic sequencing in Botswana has grown to 19, while South Africa has recorded more than 200. So far, most of the cases are in people who did not get vaccinated.

“I have a lot of hope from the data that we see, that those vaccinated should be able to have a lot of protection,” Moyo said. “We should try to encourage as many people to get vaccinated as possible.”

Moyo warned that the world “must go to a mirror and look at themselves” and make sure Africa’s 1.3 billion people are not left behind in the vaccination drive.

He credited earlier research and investment into fighting HIV and AIDS with building Botswana’s capacity for doing genetic sequencing. That made it easier for researchers to switch to working on the coronavirus, he said.

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, Moyo finds some cause for optimism.

“What gives me hope is that the world is now speaking the same language,” said Moyo, explaining that the pandemic has seen a new global commitment to scientific research and surveillance.

He added that the pandemic has also been a wake-up call for Africa.

“I think our policymakers have realized the importance of science, the importance of research,” Moyo said. “I think COVID has magnified, has made us realize that we need to focus on things that are important and invest in our health systems, invest in our primary health care.”

He added: “I think it’s a great lesson for humanity.”

AP

THE teaching life is the life of the explorer, the creator, constructing the classroom for free exploration. It is about engagement. It takes courage. It is about ruthlessly excising what is flawed, what no longer fits, no matter how difficult it was to achieve. It is about recognizing teaching as a medium that can do some things exquisitely but cannot do everything.”
– Christa L. Walck, “A Teaching Life,” Journal of Management Education, November, 1997, p. 481

Teaching and learning go hand-in-hand. Effective teachers continually improve their skills by learning about the latest trends in the field of education.

But what exactly is teaching and learning, and how do you foster a relationship between the two that is synchronistic and fluent? The following guide offers teaching principles, learning examples, and the importance of a healthy relationship between student learning and teaching.

Teaching Principles

“Most teachers resist showing students the dirty part of real learning, and by the dirty part I don’t mean the hard work…I mean the part where we fail nine times in a row before we find a good approach. I mean the parts where we are confused about our project, defensive in the face of criticism, doubtful of our abilities…Whatever the venue…teachers like modeling their knowledge, not their ignorance, and they avoid referring to the muddy paths, fear-filled moments, and just plain failure that are the unavoidable parts of getting the knowledge we possess.”
– Marshall Gregory, “From Shakespeare on the Page to Shakespeare on the Stage,” Pedagogy, 2006, p. 324

Teaching and learning are multi-faceted phenomena—and that’s how we should be thinking about them, right from the start.

Books written for beginning teachers, in fact lots of teaching books, focus on techniques. Yes, new (and old) teachers need techniques, but when that’s the main focus, it tends to narrow the thinking and trivialize the complexities.

The literature on teaching and learning is diverse—one of its finest features. It can do a good job of shaping this broader thinking if it’s sampled across disciplines, topics, and categories.

The following articles and programs are reflective of how those learning to teach (doesn’t that include all of us?) ought to begin and proceed.

Learning Principles

“Good students are those who learn. Whatever their preconceptions, barriers or deficits—whatever their story—they take new information and new experiences, and to the best of their ability, make them tools for transforming themselves and their world. And at last I’ve learned that a good teacher is someone who can recognize and connect with good students—in all their forms.”
– Mark Cohan, “Bad Apple: The Social Production and Subsequent Reeducation of a Bad Teacher,” Change, November/December, 2009, p. 36

The learning-teaching synergy happens when teachers are thinking, observing, and focusing in all sorts of ways on learning—when we are constantly asking, “What’s going to help students learn this?”

This focus on learning and attempts to understand how it’s happening for students drives decision-making about teaching.

It is what determines whether students will work in groups, whether they need to write or speak answers, whether their understanding of a concept should be tested, and on and on.

Teachers become learners of learning. We have always been learners of content, but now in every class we seek to better understand the relationship between the learning experiences of students and the instructional approaches we are using.

– FacultyFocus

 

THE University of Johannesburg (UJ) announced on Friday its decision to institute mandatory vaccination at all its campuses and facilities from January 2022.

Their decision largely follows news of the Omicron variant – the most recently reported COVID-19 variant.

The university said it will consider religious and medical exemptions but stressed that collective rights will take precedence as per Section 36 of the Constitution.

All staff, students and postdoctoral research fellows – as well as visitors, contractors and other stakeholders – will have to show proof of partial or full vaccination before entering any campus or facility.

The UJ Council made the decision in favour of mandatory vaccinations for staff and students to be implemented from January 2022, and said:

“The vaccination policy states that staff, post-doctoral research fellows, and students will need to provide UJ with their vaccination status – first vaccination completed or fully vaccinated – before gaining access to any campus or facility. These measures also apply to ad hoc contractors, identified stakeholders and visitors.”

The university said to gain access to UJ campuses and facilities, employees, postdoctoral research fellows, and students will be required to provide their digital vaccine vaccination cards to authorized University officials to confirm their vaccination status.

Confirmation of vaccination status will be linked to the student or employee access card, ensuring access to UJ campuses and facilities.

“This outcome will ensure that the University’s staff, postdoctoral research fellows, and students have optimal access to the University’s precincts for purposes of working, learning, research, laboratory, and clinical work whilst protecting the health and safety of the University community and its stakeholders,” the university said in a statement.

“The need for optimal access to the campuses and facilities has become crucial in part because of the socioeconomic circumstances of the University’s students. Additionally, some learning programmes require in-person engagement for research and experiential learning.”  

When required, employees will be allowed, within working hours, to be vaccinated, the university added.

“Where applicable, sick leave will be allowed should any side-effects associated with the vaccine be experienced,” it said.

In addition to UJ, here are the South Africa Universities that have opted for mandatory vaccination policies:

University of Cape TownUniversity of the Western CapeRhodes UniversityUniversity of the Free StateUniversity of the Witswatersrand

Stellenbosch University and the University of Pretoria are two of the bigger higher learning institutions in South Africa that have not adopted mandatory vaccination policies.

The 26-member body that constitutes Universities South Africa (USAf) has previously declared that vaccinations are a must. 

* Inside Education