An Overview of Research, Policy and Practice in Teacher Supply and Demand 1994-2008 (Teacher Education in South Africa)

With an eye on a long-range initiative toward the development of a top-tier teaching force in South Africa, this monograph provides an overview and synthesis of the interventions, research, and consequences of initiatives related to the demand for and supply of teachers in South Africa since the mid-1990s. Using qualitative and quantitative research to address issues such as student-to-teacher ratios in public and independent schools, educator competency, the system’s ability to meet the need for increased teacher demand, and the impact of government and union attempts to address teacher shortages, the study concludes that a bold vision for sustained investment in teacher education is a first priority. The implementation of measures to not only attract young graduates to the teaching profession, but to retain and develop their expertise is also discussed.