The church’s pastoral role concerning challenges faced by teachers in South-African public schools: Some practical theological perspectives

Abstract

Teaching used to be a well-respected profession, which many people used to love in the past.Many children, when asked what they wanted to be when growing up, indicated that theywanted to be teachers. This is why – even when children were play-acting – most of them likedto play the role of a teacher. It is disturbing to learn that this profession has grown to be hated bymany people today. This is evidenced by the mass resignations of teachers from many publicschools over the past few years in South Africa. This exodus had been researched by differentscholars from different disciplines who have also made their recommendations as to how thesituation can be reversed. The fact that teachers, who are disappointed and demotivated tocontinue with the career, are the creation of God and are teaching the creation of God, calls forthe church through its pastoral theological services to play its role in trying to compose guidelinesfor the elimination of the problem. The purpose of this article is to search for possible ways inwhich the church can theologically play its role in addressing the problem of the teachers’dissatisfaction as well as giving some guidelines on how this challenge can be eliminated.

The critical evaluation of educators' struggles in the context of Covid-19: Some theological analysis

“…Any form of stress and psychological brokenness affect the health of the individual and therefore pastoral care is important in dealing with that. Frank et al ( 2013) indicated as quoted in Baloyi (2016) that schools need teacher counsellors. This, however, is not common practice in South African public schools.…”

“…This, according to Baloyi (2016), is a good opportunity for local churches to get involved in matters affecting the education of their children as well as to assist their schoolteachers. There is an undeniable need that, like in other countries, schools employ qualified counsellors who will be looking at all school challenges holistically to ensure that learners and educators receive the necessary attention they deserve.…”

“…The profession is now beset by a myriad of challenges. According to Baloyi (2016), there has been growing concerns that South African teachers were leaving the profession at an ever-increasing and, indeed, alarming rate since 2014. This was echoed by the spokesperson for the South African Council of Educators who stated, "We are very much aware that teachers in the prime of their careers are leaving" (Mkhize, 2015).…”

The impact of corruption on victim teachers during promotion processes in South Africa’s Basic education system

“…Although teacher challenges have of late become a global challenge, South Africa has however been one of the leading countries whose teachers continue to face unbearable hostile and abusive working conditions and environment (Baloyi, 2016). This practice has reduced the profession into one of the most hated professions in the country (Baloyi, 2016). The profession has lost that historical prestige going with it.…”

A pastoral care of female teachers facing work-related challenges – A South African view

“…Although her article specifically focuses on the abolition of corporal punishment as a disciplinary measure, it is important to articulate that the unhappiness of female teachers receives most of the attention. Matsidiso is not the only one who is researching these challenges and it is important to acknowledge that several other scholars have prioritised teachers' concerns in their research (Baloyi 2016;De Wet 2010). Panyaza Lesufi has also confirmed the exodus of teachers in a report by Serrao (2014:1).…”