Thandulwazi Intern-Teacher selected for international student-teacher exchange to the USA
When asked what makes a great teacher, Ms Ade Avela Nanti, a final year Thandulwazi Intern-Teacher responded: “A great teacher is one who is inspired by the success of her pupils.”
It therefore came as no surprise that this humble, professional and committed young intern-teacher was selected as one of 16 South African student-teachers to go on a month-long teaching exchange to the USA from 02 March to 03 April 2018.
Ms Ade Avela Nanti who will be heading to California for an international student-teacher exchange.
“Avela is over the moon as she has never travelled outside of South Africa before,” says Thandulwazi Intern Director, Thobeka Mngambi.
Organised by Teach with Africa in partnership with the Global Teachers Institute, Avele had to apply for the exchange programme in 2017 and submit a video about an unusual teaching project that she had initiated.
“Given the fierce competition for places on this programme, we are thrilled that Avela’s application was successful,” says Bev Johnson, Deputy Head of Advancement at St Stithians College. “This exchange programme will give Avela the opportunity to teach Grade 6 students at the Hamlin School in San Francisco; expose her to a variety of different teaching methods; allow her to engage with educators in the USA; visit partner schools and universities; as well as participate in Teach with Africa activities and events where she will represent the Thandulwazi Intern-Teacher Training Programme, St Stithians College and her country.”
Whilst in California, Avela will be required to conduct action-based research on a topic of her choice and interest. With her fellow Interns, Avela will present her research findings to her host school in the USA; and, upon her return, report back to the Thandulwazi Maths & Science Academy and at the Axis Education Summit in July 2018.
Teach with Africa generously covers the full costs of this exchange: including visa costs, travel insurance, air fares, a cell-phone allowance in the USA, a weekly stipend while in the US, placement at a high performing school, placement at a host family, and all meals during the intern’s stay.
Bon Voyage, Avela and we look forward to hearing about this wonderful professional development opportunity when she returns to South Africa in April.
