Thuto Trust, in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) Rural Education Directorate and the Limpopo Department of Education (LDoE), is implementing an innovative Hub for Pre-Service Teacher Internship in Limpopo Province. This initiative strengthens teacher education through the Extended Student Teacher Internship (ESTI) model, which complements the UNISA B.Ed. Degree (Foundation and Intermediate Phases) with full-time, school-based training in rural primary schools.
As the Implementing Partner, Thuto Trust provides daily mentorship, training, and supervision for in-service teachers and student interns throughout their academic journey. The Internship Hub will support up to 1 080 in-service teachers and student interns from across Limpopo, with a strong focus on practical training in Inclusive Education.
The Trust is seeking to appoint Online Mentors who will support and mentor in-service teachers and student interns within Limpopo Province.
A. Key Responsibilities
- Review and provide constructive feedback on lesson plans submitted by in-service teachers and student interns to ensure alignment with curriculum standards and best teaching practice.
- Conduct fortnightly 30-minute online meetings with each assigned mentee to discuss progress, address concerns, and set goals.
- Analyse the effectiveness of lesson plans and provide insights to enhance planning and delivery.
- Confirm that lesson plans align with curriculum requirements and offer suggestions for improvement.
- Evaluate teaching strategies and provide feedback on effective methodologies.
- Track mentees’ growth and development over time, identifying strengths and areas for development.
- Encourage mentees to think critically about their practice, reflect on their teaching, and develop a growth mindset.
- Maintain accurate records of meetings, feedback, and progress, and communicate effectively with mentees, faculty, and other stakeholders.
B. Minimum Requirements
- A relevant teaching qualification (e.g. B.Ed. or PGCE), with experience teaching Foundation Phase and/or Intermediate Phase.
- A minimum of 5 years’ teaching experience.
- Current registration with SACE.
- Own laptop and reliable internet connection.
- Willingness to engage in regular training, reflection, and supervision sessions.
- Ability to provide regular reports as agreed with Thuto Trust.
C. Knowledge and Skill Set Required
- Sound knowledge of the South African education system and extensive experience in schools.
- Working knowledge of education law and policy.
- Excellent knowledge of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) at primary school level.
- Excellent understanding of inclusivity and differentiation in the classroom.
- A strong grasp of how trauma informs learning outcomes.
- Insight into the impact of socio-economic factors on learner outcomes.
- An informed understanding of diversity and how to address it within the school context.
- Sound knowledge of learning theories, modern pedagogies, and assessment processes.
- Empathy and professionalism in working with student interns, school management, and educators.
- Excellent lesson and classroom observation skills, with the ability to give constructive feedback.
- Strong academic skills and the disposition of a reflective practitioner.
- Highly organised, with strong planning ability.
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Strong IT skills — proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); confident in setting up Zoom and MS Teams meetings; comfortable with apps, internet research, and social media.
- Excellent report writing, record-keeping, and analytical skills.
D. Compliance and Undertakings
- Committed to continuous learning and self-improvement.
- Willing to attend recommended sessions and programmes.
