Each learning area, classroom scenario, individual learner or challenge a teacher has to deal with in the normal course of her duties would require her to assume various ‘personas’ to ensure that the situation she is presented with is dealt with appropriately. Below, I will list each of the seven roles teachers are required to fulfil daily, and expand on the responsibilities for each.
The teacher is responsible for designing and managing both formative and summative assessment techniques to ensure that outcomes meet the requirements of accrediting bodies
Should keep comprehensive records of each learner’s abilities, achievements and progress, both on an academic and social level
Have the ability to give feedback, whether by praise or constructive criticism
Identify ‘problem areas’ to both learners and their parents, and take the necessary steps to improve those areas
Will understand how to utilise results derived from the assessment process to improve learning
Demonstrate and encourage a sense of belonging, and also respect and duty towards others, and towards the environment
Develop life skills by imparting good morals and values, and using appropriate forms of discipline or positive reinforcement where necessary
Cultivate supportive relationships with parents and outside organisations to tackle social and environmental issues, and take the role of counsellor if the need arises
Create an empowering setting for learning and recognise and respond to the needs of learners
Participate in the development and implementation of sport, art or cultural programs and get learners involved
Scholar, Researcher and Lifelong Learner
Continually strive for professional growth through research, reading, participating in courses and attending workshops
Remain updated on developments within the curriculum
Be literate in a numerical and technological sense, and in that way be able to employ a broader range of resources and teaching aides in the classroom
Maintain academic honesty.
Be open to new concepts and information, and absorb as much as possible.
Many teachers have sole control of the classroom assigned to them, and they therefore should have the ability to carry out the required administrative duties efficiently. A simple example is to be able to keep an accurate attendance register or create a systematic recording system for assessment results
Responsible for managing large diverse groups, and also smaller groups and individuals
Imperative to keep abreast and develop an understanding of current legislation on the management of schools and leaners to prevent contravention of any laws during the teaching process. For example, change in legislature no longer allows corporal punishment to take place in the classroom and teachers should therefore act appropriately
Establish a classroom atmosphere that is conducive to learning, as well as one that promotes discipline
Able to implement efficient financial controls where necessary
It is the responsibility of the teacher to be able to interpret the curriculum correctly and accurately
To design and implement original learning programs
Able to integrate the use of visual, written and/or audio resources
Must choose topics and form a sequence for the presentation of them in an order and at a pace which takes into account the needs of the learners concerned and the required outcomes to meet
Be thorough and resourceful when planning lessons
A teacher is responsible for constructing a learning environment that is appropriate for the age and level of her class, and that is inspirational
Must possess effective communication and linguistic skills
Should have sound knowledge and understanding of subject material, as well as techniques and how to use available resources optimally
Recognise the differences in each learner’s ability and adjust teaching methods accordingly
Should distinguish when to employ group/whole class/individual teaching to reach the desired outcome
One should be able to identify one’s own key strengths or individual abilities and focus of providing teaching in that specific field
Should employ appropriate methods on the basis of the developmental stage of learners
Would possess great knowledge or skills in a field and are usually well-informed of the various approaches involved in teaching and learning within a specific learning area
Have an understanding of what is prescribed in the national curriculum
Will equip the classroom and learners with the necessary information .
