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Meet the team involved in running the NQT Project.
She recognised many years ago the need for a support system for early careers teachers and that…
Judy is a teacher. She has been teaching in high schools around Cape Town; lecturing and supervising student teachers…
Kate is a teacher educator in the School of Education, UCT specialising in History education – but over the last 25 years…
Melanie Sadeck is a teacher/teacher educator. She was an HoD in the Faculty of Education at CPUT for 13 years…
“Boa me na me mmoa wo”
Translated from Akan into “Help me and let me help you”.
This an Adinkra glyph that symbolises co-operation and interdependence.
The logo was chosen as it resonates with the philosophy of the Newly Qualified Teachers Project, namely that there is much more to be achieved together than in isolation.
In isiXhosa, we would say: “Akukho qili linokuzikhotha emhlana” – There is no one so clever they can lick their own back. i.e. no one can do everything on one’s own.
Traditionally, teaching is a lonely art. Once in the classroom, very little time is available and given to collaborating; sharing experiences, challenges and best practice; and reflecting with colleagues. Yet these activities are fundamental to the apprenticeship of newly qualified teachers. The NQT logo reminds us that despite the logistical challenges in coming together, doing so is critical for the well-being and development of our aspirant newcomers to the teaching profession, and that we too can learn from our NQTs as they embark on their teaching journeys.
The Adinkra symbol system
The NQT Project logo is one of the many symbols that make up the Adinkra symbol system of the Akan culture in modern day Ghana. Adinkra cloth is used for many traditional vestments and is worn to significant ceremonies. Adinkra symbols are constantly in flux as they are interpreted and adapted by subsequent generations.
Arthur, G. F. Kojo (2001) “Cloth As Metaphor: (Re)reading the adinkra cloth symbols of the Akan of Ghana”. Accra: Cefiks Publications.
Boateng, B. (2011) “The copyright thing doesn’t work here: Adinkra and Kente cloth and intellectual property in Ghana”, Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.
For more sources, go to www.adinkra.org > Bibliography
Meet the team involved in running the NQT Project.
The Advisory Committee members include:
Dr. Kate Angier
(NQT Project Chair)
Judy Sacks
(NQT Project Manager and UCT Project Manager)
Melanie Sadeck
(CPUT NQT Manager)
Emeritus Associate Prof. Rochelle Kapp
(NQT Project Advisor)
Lynn Swanevelder
(NQT Project)
Professor Azeem Badroodien
(UCT School of Education)
Assoc Prof Catherine Kell
(UCT School of Education)
Assoc Prof. Annemarie Hattingh
(UCT School of Education)
Gary Powell
(UCT SDU)
Dr Zena Scholtz
(CPUT Faculty of Education)
Prof Hanlie Dippenaar
(CPUT Faculty of Education)
Mr Enver Hassen
(Head of Specialised Learner and Educator Support services for the Metro Central district of the Western Cape Education Department)
Kelley-Beth Oliphant
(Educator)
Jade Glenn
(Jakes Gerwel Fellowship)
Rochelle Kapp is the Founder of the NQT Project. She recognised many years ago the need for a support system for early careers teachers and that was where the project started. Rochelle provides guidance and acts in an advisory capacity since her retirement.
Judy is a teacher. She has been teaching in high schools around Cape Town; lecturing and supervising student teachers; and working with teachers and subject advisors in South Africa for decades. She believes that teachers are crucial for the academic success, and the emotional and psychological well-being of all our youth. Judy is committed to and passionate about new teachers. She believes these essential workers need to be developed, supported and celebrated so that they stay in the profession and can become leaders who grow and thrive in the classroom. When not working with teachers, Judy is generally walking on a mountain with her dogs, swimming in the sea or reading a book!
Kate is a teacher educator in the School of Education, UCT specialising in History education – but over the last 25 years has worked as a high school history teacher, head of department, SMT academic director, senior curriculum specialist for WCED, textbook writer, national examiner, Umalusi moderator and is currently a member of the task team re-writing the school history curriculum. She is also on the SGB of a local high school. Kate is passionate about school teaching (especially history teaching) and is committed to working with pre- and in-service teachers to share ideas, experiences, resources and classroom strategies. She believes that the NQT project plays an important role in building a strong, supportive and agentic community of practitioners. Three children and a menagerie of pets as well as a daily yoga practice help to keep some balance in life.
Melanie Sadeck is a teacher/teacher educator. She was an HoD in the Faculty of Education at CPUT for 13 years. Melanie has been in Higher Education for close to 34 years holding various positions and serving on many Committees. Her research focus is teacher education with specific focus on Teaching Practice, Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs), Technical and Vocational Education (TVET), continuing professional development (CPD) and science education. She has participated in a number of research and development partnerships, presented at conferences nationally and internationally and co- authored several accredited research articles and book chapters in these areas. She is a member of the NQT project advisory Board and management committee and will focus on mentoring of NQTs in 2022.