The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is seeking classroom assistance to help with the workload as all learners head back to school.
It has requested that people put themselves forward as possible candidates willing to be temporary classroom assistants during the national state of disaster. They can register online to be part of the Classroom Assistant Initiative.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has completely changed how schools operate, with safety guidelines in place to stop the spread of infection,” says Debbie Schäfer, Provincial Education Minister.
This includes ensuring learners are 1,5 m apart at all times, including in the classroom. That means learners need to be split over multiple classrooms.
Matriculants and Grade 7 learners returned to schools on Monday 1 June, and now the rest of the learners are being phased back to school.
Since school staff have returned the schools have submitted Temporary Revised Education Plans (TREPs) to the department.
These are safety guidelines and models, which include alternating attendance at schools, whether weekly or daily, or learning in shifts.
The new classroom assistants will provide support to educators and facilitate lessons, the department explained.
“Assistants will be appointed at schools where educators have received a concession to work from home as a result of having one or more of the Covid-19 high-risk comorbidities. To date, 1 787 concessions have been approved, but this number is expected to rise.”
Applicants must have an interest in the teaching profession.
Candidates wishing to apply must have an education qualification, or currently be studying for an education qualification or have an appropriate undergraduate qualification.
Assistants still completing a degree will receive a R4 000 stipend, and qualified assistants R5 000.
Those who want to apply can visit www.wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za and click on “Vacancies” to access our E-Recruitment system:. Register your profile. Click on “School-Based Educators”, and then “Teacher Assistants”. Indicate your preferred education district/s. Click “apply for this post”
There’s no closing date right now, but all interested candidates are encouraged to register and apply soonest.