Empowering SA’s teachers: Why professional development is crucial as tech advances

Technological advancements in education have made continuous professional development of teachers more crucial than ever. With the rise of artificial intelligence, shifting pedagogical approaches and increasingly diverse classroom needs, educators must be equipped not only with subject knowledge but also with the tools and strategies to foster meaningful learning experiences.

Simply put, all the tech in the world won’t make a meaningful impact if teachers are not empowered to use the available tools effectively.

“Teachers are lifelong learners. Their role extends far beyond delivering content; it’s about ensuring students truly understand and engage with what they’re learning. When students struggle, effective teachers ask: What can I do differently to help them succeed? This mindset underscores the importance of ongoing professional development,” says Darren Purdon, academic project manager at JSE-listed ADvTECH, Africa’s leading private education provider.

He says professional development opportunities allow teachers to stay current with educational trends, refine their teaching practices and collaborate with peers. Sharing best practices within and across schools also creates a culture of growth and innovation, ultimately benefiting student outcomes, he says.

Tech training

With digital tools becoming integral to modern classrooms, teachers must be confident and competent in their use. Training sessions, workshops and peer learning groups provide platforms for teachers to explore these technologies, troubleshoot challenges and discover how to integrate them effectively into lesson plans. This hands-on experience makes tech adoption smoother, less intimidating and more impactful on student engagement, explains Purdon.

Diverse classroom needs

South African classrooms are wonderfully diverse, presenting learners with a wide range of abilities, languages and cultural backgrounds. Professional development empowers teachers with inclusive teaching strategies such as differentiated instruction and formative assessment techniques, to meet individual learner needs. Educators learn to create environments where every child feels seen, heard and supported, helping to close achievement gaps and promote equity.

Educator resilience

Teachers today face challenges (and opportunity) on many fronts. The evolving educational landscape, amplified by technological and social changes, demands resilience from educators. Professional development should include training on mental well-being, classroom management in digital contexts and strategies for maintaining work-life balance. Well-supported teachers are more effective educators and role models – shaping a healthier, more positive school culture for their learners.

Leadership and policy

School leaders play a pivotal role in fostering a culture that values continuous learning. By prioritising and allocating resources for teacher development, they can ensure training is relevant, ongoing and aligned with school goals. Additionally, education policy must support these efforts by providing frameworks and funding that encourage lifelong learning for teachers, reflecting the importance of their evolving roles in a tech-driven world.

“As education continues to transform, the commitment to professional development must become a cornerstone of quality teaching and learning. For South African students to thrive in a complex, digital future, it is essential their teachers receive continuous support to master new skills, adapt to change and inspire their students every day,” says Purdon.

He says ADvTECH’s SIRIUS teaching and learning centre provides a blueprint for schools and universities serious about continuous professional development of their educators.

“While developed within ADvTECH, the approach of SIRIUS reflects a broader commitment to educational excellence. SIRIUS offers short courses, online sessions, podcasts and curated materials designed to support teachers and lecturers in their professional journey.

“With more than 6 088 educators actively using the platform, having completed more than 13 200 courses since the centre’s launch in March, it’s clear that teachers value accessible, relevant and practical development opportunities.”

In a world where change is constant, investing in teacher development isn’t optional – it’s essential, Purdon says. “Whether through institutional platforms like SIRIUS or broader collaborative efforts, empowering educators means empowering students. And that’s a future worth building for South Africa.”

Image credit: Freepik/zinkevych