Our Stories

A growth mindset recognises that excellence is developed through effort, training and persistence. In contrast, a fixed mindset is the belief that ability is based on innate traits. In marginalised schools, with minimal-to-no investment in teachers, the expectations of teachers, and students is low. It then becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. A powerful tool to change that? Instilling a growth mindset in teachers.

‘For me a Growth Mindset can be applied to our personal, and professional life.  It’s about understanding yourself, and your responsibilities. My participation in the program has really made me think about the importance of supporting every learner’s needs. Our learning visit to 2 schools in Karatu who have been implementing the Growth Coaching Model for several years. was also insightful. Through the cross-learning visit I learnt about effective team teaching methodologies, useful for large class sizes, and supporting all children’s learning needs.’ 

Joesephat, English, Maths and Social Sciences Teacher, Endakiso Primary School.

In Tanzania in 2023, So They Can piloted a Teachers’ Acceleration Model, as part of our Teachers’ Development Project. 35 teachers, from 11 of our partner schools were selected to participate in monthly Growth Mindset sessions facilitated by an expert coach. Among teachers, an attitude of continuous improvement was developed. Participating teachers shared that it taught them to collaborate, apply cooperative learning methods, and share knowledge – especially in challenging areas like teaching English and literacy, and avoiding corporal punishment.

‘As a result of what I’ve learnt through this program, my interaction with other teachers at my school has really improved. I have invited teachers to join my Grade 7 maths class. Teaching as a team enables us to provide better support to students with learning difficulties.’

Calista, Maths Teacher, Mamire Primary School.

In 2024, with the success of the initiative, the model is progressing to a ‘Train-the-Trainer’ approach across all of So They Can’s 29 partner primary schools in Tanzania. 114 teachers are being up-skilled to implement the Teachers’ Acceleration Model at scale in their schools, and participate in bi-annual reflection meetings. With 300 teachers reached by our Education Program every year, promoting annual goal setting, peer-to-peer observation and learning, the sharing of best-practice teaching methodologies, builds a school’s cohort of teachers to collectively work towards excellence.

In 2024, our Teachers Acceleration Model and Growth Coaching is set to reach 114 teachers, across 29 primary schools, to benefit over 17,000 students.