What Does Foundation Phase Teachers Do?

What is a Foundation Phase School Teacher?

Foundation Phase School Teachers have the exciting and rewarding task of teaching children the foundations of reading, writing and literacy.

They are also responsible for helping children to develop their thinking skills. 

They teach from Grade R (reception) through to Grade 3. They usually teach all of the subjects in the curriculum to the pupils. 

An important part of being a Foundation Phase Teacher includes promoting the child’s social, emotional, intellectual and physical development. 

Foundation Phase Teachers (FPT) do a lot of administrative work which includes preparing lessons, exams, writing reports, marking etc. 

Sports and cultural activities are important throughout this phase so FPT’s might be asked to help as part of the work programme.

Other names for Foundation Phase School Teachers:

  • Foundation Phase Teacher
  • Primary School Housemaster
  • Primary Teacher-Librarian

Foundation Phase School Teacher do?

  • prepares lessons
  • researches new teaching methods and teaching aids
  • develops students’ interests, abilities and co-ordination through activities
  • discusses every child’s progress and problems with the parents/guardians, student counsellors and senior teachers
  • guides and supervises the work in class
  • maintains discipline and order in the classroom
  • works with the parents/guardians
  • maintains records
  • takes part in staff meetings, educational conferences and other programmes
  • prepares, conducts and marks tests and exams
  • supervises student teachers

Are you . . . ?

  • interested in teaching?
  • patient?
  • a person who loves small children?
  • understanding?
  • nurturing?
  • able to deal with stress?
  • prepared to work long hours?
  • calm under pressure?
  • methodical?
  • able to communicate well with young learners?
  • able to communicate well with adults?

How do I become a Foundation Phase School Teacher?

You will need a qualification:

There are 3 ways of becoming a Foundation Phase School Teacher:

  • ONE:

3 year Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree in Early Childhood Development, Foundation Phase

  • TWO:

2 year National Diploma in Education: Foundation Phase (NQF Level 6)

  • THREE:

Postgraduate Certificate: Education: Foundation Phase. This route is for those who have already completed a degree (NOT BEd) and want to become teachers.

Once you’ve graduated, you will be required to register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) as an Educator.

  • SACE: SOUTH AFRICAN COUNCIL of EDUCATORS

Training Institutions:

  • CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you.
  • NOTE: Each institution has its own entry requirements. Check with your institution of choice that you match theirs.

Did You Know : Top 15 Free Online Learning Platforms

  1. Free Online Education Degrees : Coursera:

    Coursera partners with universities and organizations worldwide to offer a wide range of courses. While many courses are free, a fee is often required for certification.

  2. Free Online Education Degrees: edX:

    Founded by MIT and Harvard, edX offers high-quality courses from top universities and institutions around the world. Certificates are available for a fee.

  3. Free Online Education Degrees : Khan Academy:

    Khan Academy provides free educational content in various subjects, especially mathematics and science, using instructional videos and practice exercises.

  4. Free Online Education Degrees : Udacity:

    Udacity focuses on tech-related courses and nanodegree programs, offering free content as well as more in-depth paid programs.

  5. Free Online Education Degrees : MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW):

    MIT OCW provides a vast array of MIT's course content for free, covering a wide range of disciplines.

  6. Free Online Education Degrees : Harvard Extension School:

    Harvard Extension School offers a selection of free online courses. While some courses are free, others may require payment for a certificate.

  7. Free Online Education Degrees: Stanford Online:

    Stanford Online offers a variety of free courses in different disciplines, including computer science, engineering, and business.

  8. Best Free Online Courses : Carnegie Mellon Open Learning Initiative (OLI):

    OLI offers free online courses and resources designed to improve learning outcomes through research-based methodologies.

  9. Best Free Online Courses : FutureLearn:

    FutureLearn partners with universities and institutions to offer a diverse range of free online courses. Certificates are available for a fee.

  10. Best Free Online Courses: Alison:

    Alison offers a wide range of free online courses, including diploma and certificate programs, covering various subjects.

  11. Best Free Online Courses: Open Yale Courses:

    Yale University provides free access to a selection of introductory courses through Open Yale Courses.

  12. Best Free Online Courses : UC Berkeley Online:

    UC Berkeley offers free online courses on a variety of subjects, ranging from computer science to humanities.

  13. Best Free Online Courses : Google Digital Garage:

    Google Digital Garage provides free courses on digital skills, including online marketing, data analysis, and more.

  14. Best Free Online Courses : Codecademy:

    Codecademy offers free coding courses, interactive exercises, and coding projects to help individuals learn programming languages.

  15. Best Free Online Courses : LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com):

    LinkedIn Learning provides a variety of video courses on professional development, technology, and creative skills. It offers a free trial period.