How to Teach with Confidence as a Newly Qualified Teacher

Nonkululeko Maringa

June 5, 2025

At SANTS, approximately 1,470 students graduated this semester. An incredible milestone worth celebrating. Whether you’ve just completed your Diploma in Grade R Teaching or are now pursuing your Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching, you’ve earned a qualification that sets you apart. Congratulations!

Now that you’re stepping into the classroom, one question may linger:
“How do I teach with confidence when I don’t yet feel experienced?”

This guide will show you exactly how.

Use Your Curriculum and Learning Guides (CLGs)

Your First Resource for Planning and Confidence

One of the most valuable tools you have is the Curriculum and Learning Guide (CLG) provided by SANTS. These guides offer:

Clear content knowledge
Suggested pedagogical methods
Step-by-step lesson planning assistance

Tip: Take your CLGs into your classroom. They are written to support you every step of the way. If you forget how a topic was explained, revisit your CLG—it’s your built-in mentor.

Align Your Lessons with the CAPS Document

Teaching the Right Content at the Right Time

Alongside your CLGs, use the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). This document outlines what learners should be taught in each grade.

Even if your school provides worksheets or booklets, always compare them with CAPS and your CLGs. For example, some schools introduce bar graphs in Grade 1. But according to CAPS, bar graphs should only be taught in Grade 3. Misalignment can confuse learners and affect their long-term progress.

Be a responsible teacher by checking what you’re teaching against CAPS and using your judgment.

Think Critically and Trust Yourself

Confidence Grows from Independent Thought

Teaching with confidence isn’t just about following a guide. It’s also about believing in yourself. Be a critical thinker:

Reflect on what will work best in your class.
Don’t always rely on artificial intelligence or ready-made lesson plans.
Design your own lessons and strategies when possible.

Using AI tools can be helpful but relying on them too much can undermine your confidence. The more you think and plan independently, the more your self-belief will grow.

Final Thoughts: You Are Capable!

As I said earlier, I am urging you to believe in yourself; think for yourself; make your own judgments; and decide what would work best in your class.

You are capable of doing that!!

Go and teach with confidence!