Masego Bosoga joined the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) family in 2016, receiving both financial and emotional support throughout her studies.
Her teacher training, particularly the practical experience, provided valuable insight into the daily realities of a classroom, though nothing could fully prepare her for some of the surprises she encountered as a new educator. “The competition among educators, often at the cost of learners, was something I did not expect.”
Adapting to her role as an educator, Masego did not put pressure on herself and remained open to learning. A typical day involves teaching six different classes, covering the same material but adjusting to the pace of each group. Although she does not cater to every learning style in every lesson, she ensures clarity on key points, adjusting when needed.
One of her biggest challenges as a teacher in South Africa is the lack of protection for educators in the classroom. She believes more needs to be done in the field of teaching, particularly by involving individuals with actual teaching experience in major decision-making processes. In terms of tools, Masego finds WhatsApp especially helpful for engaging learners, allowing for communication and questions outside the classroom.
Balancing teaching and her personal life, Masego ensures her own well-being comes first, “I make sure that my glass is full before pouring into another.”
She sees herself as a teacher leader in the UK or in a similar role such as Head of Department (HOD).
For aspiring teachers, her advice is straightforward: “Work hard to achieve high marks because that is what counts in the end. No one is hiring a maths teacher who got 40%.”
The most rewarding part of her career is the positive impact she has on her learenrs’ lives.
“The feedback I get from learners and parents makes it all worth it. And I cannot deny that I enjoy the holidays too!”