The role of National Professional Teachers’ organisation of South Africa in 21st century professional development

Abstract: This study examines the role of the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) in the context of 21st century teacher professional development in South Africa. In this study, the idea of Professional Development Programmes (PDPs) is posited as a strategy to develop teachers’ content knowledge and pedagogical skills. This involves educators being developed to align with the current curriculum and to the requirements of the needs of 21st century educational practice. Applying a qualitative research approach, data collection was undertaken by means of semi-structured interviews and some document study. Educators/members were selected from two schools in Ekurhuleni district, Gauteng province. Findings showed that even though NAPTOSA implemented teacher development programmes, much remained to be done in aligning programmes to 21st century education. Nevertheless, participation in PDPs resulted in teachers enhancing their pedagogical skills and becoming relevant for 21st century education. Educators who had attended PDPs revealed good content knowledge and pedagogical skills and they also initiated professional dialogue at their schools. In addition, educators were able to expand their self-efficacy which promoted professional growth. Challenges to teacher development included demanding workloads of educators, problems relating to time and timing of programmes, poor participation and most importantly, resistance to change. It is recommended that NAPTOSA advances the concept of PDPs by creating an awareness among educators about the benefits of being involved in PDPs. Furthermore, NAPTOSA can provide recognition of educators’ participation in PDPs, as a way of promoting teacher professionalism. Finally, the study recommends that the constraining factors to teacher development can be overcome by working towards online PDPs which can be scheduled at the teachers’ convenience.M.Ed. (Educational Leadership and Management