The South African Mathematics and Science Teacher Intern Programme (SAMSTIP) is an ISASA initiative, in partnership with Investec Bank, that aims to address the critical lack of qualified mathematics and science teachers in South Africa.
SAMSTIP offers prospective Senior and Further Education and Training (FET) teachers specialising in the fields of mathematics and the sciences an opportunity to receive bursaries to study for a four-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree or a one-year Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at UNISA.
The teacher internships provide an alternative, robust training model to supply quality teachers in the scarce subject areas of mathematics and science. Based on a decade of ISASA schools’ experience, they involve school-based training, mentoring, and completion of a university degree by the trainee teachers in member schools.
School-leavers, graduates and mid-career professionals are targeted in the recruiting drive. The learnerships involve four years of study to obtain a degree in education, or two years (part-time) for a professional teaching qualification.