Teaching Portfolio of Jongisile Mbedu

Professional Profile.

I am a dedicated and experienced Mathematics educator with nine years of experience across IEB and GDE curricula, primarily focusing on Grades 9–12. My teaching career has been enriched by additional teaching in Physical Science (four years) and in the fields of Coding and Robotics

Currently, I serve as a Lecturer in the School of Education at IIE MSA (2025–present) and as a Grade Head at Broadacres Academy High School (2022–present). I have a proven ability to nurture student well-being, academic excellence, and enthusiasm for learning through innovative, student-centered pedagogy.

Education:

Honours in Mathematics Education – University of Johannesburg (2016–2017)
Bachelor of Education (Mathematics and Physical Sciences) – University of Johannesburg (2012–2015)

Teaching Philosophy

I believe that education should empower students not only to master subject content but also to develop lifelong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

My philosophy rests on three pillars:

Student-Centered Learning: Every learner is unique, and I tailor my teaching to accommodate different learning styles and paces.
Deep Conceptual Understanding: I prioritize meaningful understanding over rote learning by presenting mathematics in multiple ways and through real-life applications.
Growth and Confidence: I aim to build self-esteem and resilience in my learners, so they see challenges as opportunities to grow.

I regard teaching as a partnership: while I guide the academic journey, students take ownership of their learning.

3. Teaching Competencies and Methods

Deep content knowledge in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
Ability to break down abstract concepts into relatable, understandable forms.
Differentiated instruction to suit diverse student needs.
Strong focus on problem-solving and inquiry-based learning.
Integration of technology, coding, and robotics into learning.
Use of formative assessment to track progress and guide learning.
Classroom management that balances structure with positivity and encouragement.

Evidence of Teaching Practice

IIE MSA (Lecturer, 2025–present):

Teaching undergraduate Education students.
Designing curriculum, assessments, and learning materials.
Supervising student research projects.
Supporting pre-service teachers during teaching practice with mentorship.

Broadacres Academy High School (Grade Head, 2022–present):

Oversight of student behavior and well-being.
Collaboration with teachers and counselors to create holistic learning environments.
Supporting both academic growth and personal development.

Summerhill School (2022):

Taught Natural Science and Technology.
Designed engaging, hands-on curricula emphasizing critical thinking.

Maths A+ Tutoring (2015–present):

Personalized tutoring in Mathematics.
Evidence of improved results and confidence among learners.

Leadership and Pastoral Care

Grade Head: fostering a supportive environment through empathy-driven behavioral management.
Mentor: guiding younger teachers and pre-service educators.
Community engagement: working closely with parents and administrators to ensure student success.

Curriculum Development and Innovation

Designed dynamic curricula for Natural Science and Technology at Summerhill.
Developed and integrated Coding and Robotics into learning pathways.
Adapted IEB and GDE syllabi into engaging lessons that emphasize deep conceptual learning.
Created assessment tools to evaluate higher-order thinking skills.

Research and Professional Development

Ongoing commitment to exploring conceptual understanding in Mathematics, digital pedagogy, and inclusive practices.
Supervising student research at IIE MSA.
Engaging in professional communities of practice.

Contributions to the School and Academic Community

Building strong student–teacher relationships that enhance motivation and performance.
Supporting extracurricular initiatives related to STEM (Math clubs, coding workshops).
Promoting digital literacy and preparing students for a tech-driven world.

Future Goals

To publish research on conceptual understanding and digital well-being in mathematics education.
To develop a robust framework for integrating robotics and coding into mainstream high school curricula.
To continue mentoring young educators and future teachers.
To inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields with confidence and curiosity.

Jongisile Mbedu

Friday, 3 October 2025