South African classrooms are diverse and multicultural learning environments. To effectively manage class size and provide quality education, most require a Teacher Assistant. These are entry-level roles in public and private schools, where professionals assist the main teachers.
Teacher Assistants are required throughout the day for various duties, including learner support and assisting with activities. The tasks they cover can change daily, depending on the teaching plan.
In this article, we will learn more about the Teacher Assistant duties in South Africa, the skills one needs, and how to begin this role.
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Role of a Teacher Assistant in South Africa
A Teacher Assistant is a support professional who works under the guidance of a qualified teacher. This role is typically found in the Foundation Phase in the South African school systems. But they can also assist in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, special-needs schools, and daycare centres.
Unlike teachers, who must register with SACE, assistants are not required to do so. They are not responsible for preparing or delivering the curriculum themselves. In their role, teacher assistants support the primary teacher to ensure learning runs smoothly.
They assist in preparing the lesson plans, organise classrooms, and assist during activities. They can also provide one-on-one support to learners who may need additional help with reading or numeracy.
Read more on Teaching Assistant Jobs In South Africa – 2026 Guide here
Teacher Assistant Duties in South Africa
1. Classroom Support
One of the main duties of a Teacher Assistant is to provide classroom support to the teacher. This can include support before the lesson begins, during class timings, and after. Teacher assistants often move around the classroom to assist learners who are struggling while the teacher continues to instruct, ensuring that no learner falls behind.
Some ways they provide support include:
- Assist in preparing lesson plans
- Distribute worksheets and activity materials
- Help to maintain order and discipline
2. Administrative Responsibilities
Teacher assistants also help to cover some administrative tasks. This helps reduce the teacher’s workload and allows them to focus on teaching.
Some of the administrative responsibilities that a Teacher Assistant can cover include:
- Photocopying and preparing classroom materials
- Assisting with grading papers
- Checking attendance
3. Learner Support
Teacher assistants also help to provide direct support to students. Many public schools in South Africa are overcrowded, making assistants valuable in these settings. In inclusive classrooms, they can make it easier for students with learning challenges or disabilities.
Some ways that a Teacher Assistant can provide learner support include:
- Providing one-on-one assistance
- Helping learners understand instructions
- Assisting learners who have learning difficulties
4. Supervision Duties
The Teacher Assistant’s duties in South Africa can often extend beyond the classroom. They can be required to maintain order near the gates or in the corridor during school start and end times.
Some supervision duties can include:
- Monitoring learners during break time
- Assisting during school trips
- Managing groups during project work
Read more on Assistant Teacher Application In South Africa For Jobs here
Responsibilities in Different School Settings
The Teacher Assistant duties in South Africa can vary depending on the type of school. This is because learners’ age groups, class sizes, and learning abilities vary. While a Teacher Assistant is an entry-level role, it offers opportunities to learn and build crucial skills.
Many Teacher Assistants in South Africa go on to enrol for a Bachelor of Education programme to become qualified teachers.
1. Public Schools
These are government-funded schools located in urban and rural areas. Most students in South Africa attend these schools. Teacher Assistants in public schools are highly valued to help manage large classrooms. While their services can be required in higher classes, they are most common in the Foundation Phase.
Their responsibilities can include:
- Manage classroom
- Explain instructions in the Home Language when transitioning to English teaching
- Monitor student behaviour
2. Private Schools
The work responsibilities for a Teacher Assistant differ in private schools due to smaller class sizes. Instead of maintaining order, they help to provide academic and administrative support.
Their responsibilities can include:
- Help to record examination data and prepare reports
- Maintaining communication with parents
- Prepare learning materials and worksheets for class
3. Special Needs Schools
In special education schools, teacher assistants work closely with teachers and therapists for personalised learning. Assistants need to have patience, and these schools might require them to complete additional certification.
In these schools, the Teacher Assistant responsibilities can include:
- Supporting behavioural management plans
- Helping learners with communication challenges
- Assist the teacher in maintaining the hygiene of the learners
4. Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres
In ECD centres, assistants help to manage toddlers and young children. Instead of a CAPS curriculum, they follow a play-based learning approach suitable for the students’ age group.
Some responsibilities at ECD centres include:
- Promoting social interaction with other students
- Teaching social skills such as sharing and expressing feelings
- Supervising play-based activities
Skills Required to Perform Teacher Assistant Duties
To become a valuable part of the classroom, a Teacher Assistant must develop a range of soft skills. Most South African schools have diverse classrooms. Students primarily communicate in their Home Language during the Foundation Phase.
Teacher Assistants must display strong classroom awareness and should be adaptable. With experience, they also develop working knowledge of the curriculum and how to conduct activities. Some skills that are helpful are:
- Communication: They need to communicate clearly with both students and teachers. This helps them explain instructions in easy language and resolve student concerns. Knowledge of multiple languages is an advantage in South African classrooms.
- Patience: Some young learners require repetition to better understand the concepts. Teacher assistants should be patient when explaining to create a calm learning environment.
- Empathy: It is important to understand the feelings and challenges from a child’s point of view. This can help to build trust and make young children feel more confident.
- Problem-solving: They should have the ability to think fast and resolve small problems. This helps to create a pleasant classroom where students feel they can speak with the teacher.
- Basic Numeracy and Literacy: While higher education is not required, it is important that teacher assistants have basic literacy skills. This ensures that they can properly guide the students and improve their learning.
Qualifications and Requirements in South Africa
An Assistant Teacher is an important role within South African schools. They help teachers by guiding students in their learning. Therefore, it is necessary for them to have basic literacy and an interest in working with students.
To qualify as a Teacher Assistant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- South African national
- Minimum Matric Pass (some programmes accept Grade 10 and 11 graduates)
- Clear police certification
- Interest in working with children
- Possess good communication skills
- Willing to follow instructions
Read more on Teaching Assistant Salary in South Africa – Entry-Level to Experienced Pay here
Career Growth Opportunities
A Teacher Assistant role can provide the experience that some students seek before enrolling for a Bachelor of Education (BEd) programme. It is not possible for a Teacher Assistant to become a full-time teacher without a degree.
Therefore, many assistants complete a BEd to teach classes from Grade R in formal school settings. Alternatively, they can complete diplomas to teach in ECD Centres in South Africa.
At Regenesys, we offer an accredited Bachelor of Education . This CHE-accredited programme prepares graduates to teach students in Grades 7-12.
Explore Our Other Programmes
Conclusion
Teacher Assistants provide structured classroom support, allowing teachers to focus on teaching. Although it is an entry-level role, the position carries meaningful responsibility. Their role can vary depending on the school they work at.
The Teacher Assistant duties in South Africa include helping with lesson plans, supervising activities, and monitoring behaviour. For individuals passionate about working with children, this role offers practical experience.
Explore the Regenesys Education website to learn more about our Bachelor of Education programme.
FAQs
What does a Teacher Assistant do in South Africa?
A Teacher Assistant supports a qualified teacher with classroom management, lesson preparation, administrative duties, and learner support.
Do Teacher Assistants need to register with SACE?
No, they are not required to register with SACE. However, they do need to have completed their Matric exams and have a police clearance certificate.
Can a Teacher Assistant become a qualified teacher?
Yes, they can by enrolling in an accredited Bachelor of Education programme.
Do Teacher Assistants teach lessons independently?
No, they work under the supervision and guidance of qualified teachers.
Is the role of a Teacher Assistant full-time?
Yes, this is a full-time role that follows regular school hours. However, contract and temporary positions are also available.
