Curriculum Vitae Special Education Teacher in South Africa Cape Town – Free Word Template Download with AI

Contact Information

Name: Thandiwe Mkhize
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +27 82 123 4567
Address: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Professional Summary

I am a dedicated and passionate Special Education Teacher with over eight years of experience in South Africa, specializing in supporting learners with diverse needs. Based in Cape Town, I have worked extensively within the unique educational landscape of the Western Cape, where I focus on creating inclusive learning environments that empower students with disabilities or learning challenges. My expertise includes developing individualized education plans (IEPs), collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and advocating for equitable access to quality education. With a strong commitment to the principles of the South African Constitution and policies such as the White Paper on Education, I aim to foster academic and personal growth in every learner. My work in Cape Town has been shaped by a deep understanding of local challenges, including resource constraints and cultural diversity, which I address through innovative teaching strategies and community partnerships.

Education

• Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Special Needs Education
  University of Cape Town (UCT), 2015
  Focus: Inclusive education, behavioral interventions, and curriculum adaptation for learners with disabilities.
• Postgraduate Certificate in Special Educational Needs
  Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), 2018
  Specialized training in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disabilities, and assistive technologies.
• Master of Education (MEd) in Inclusive Education
  Stellenbosch University, 2020
  Research focused on the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in South African schools.

Work Experience

Special Education Teacher
School for Exceptional Learners, Cape Town | 2018 – Present

Lead the development and execution of IEPs for students with intellectual disabilities, ADHD, and sensory impairments. Collaborate with parents, psychologists, and therapists to ensure holistic support. Designed adaptive teaching materials aligned with the South African Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) and National Curriculum Statement (NCS). Mentored junior teachers in inclusive pedagogy and behavior management strategies specific to Cape Town’s diverse student population.

Special Needs Educator
St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf, Cape Town | 2015 – 2018

Provided specialized instruction to students with hearing impairments using sign language and auditory-verbal therapy. Organized workshops for parents on communication strategies and early intervention. Partnered with local NGOs in Cape Town to secure resources such as hearing aids and assistive technology.

Teaching Assistant
Cape Town Primary School, 2013 – 2015

Supported teachers in managing classrooms with learners exhibiting behavioral challenges. Assisted in the implementation of differentiated instruction and social-emotional learning programs tailored to South Africa’s socio-economic context.

Skills

• Curriculum Design: Expertise in adapting CAPS for learners with disabilities, including visual, auditory, and cognitive impairments.
• Behavioral Management: Trained in Positive Behavior Support (PBS) frameworks and trauma-informed practices.
• Cultural Competence: Deep understanding of South Africa’s linguistic diversity (e.g., Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu) and cultural contexts in Cape Town.
• Technology Integration: Proficient in using assistive technologies such as screen readers, speech-to-text software, and interactive whiteboards.
• Collaboration: Experienced in working with multidisciplinary teams, including occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and social workers.

Certifications

• Registered Special Education Teacher (RSET)
  South African Council for Educators (SACE), 2016
• First Aid and CPR Certification
  Cape Town Red Cross, 2021
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Training
  National Institute of Special Education (NISE), 2019

Additional Information

Languages: English (fluent), Afrikaans (fluent), Xhosa (intermediate).

Community Involvement: Volunteer at the Cape Town Special Needs Association, providing mentorship to families and organizing workshops on inclusive education. Active member of the South African Special Education Teachers’ Association (SASETA).

Professional Development: Attended conferences such as the Annual Conference of Inclusive Education in Africa (2022) and the South African Special Needs Educators Forum (2023), focusing on innovative practices in Cape Town’s schools.

References

Available upon request. Contact: [email protected]