9th Biennial Conference of the International Forum of Teacher Regulatory Authorities (IFTRA)

Research Officer at JET Education Services, Tshegofatso Mashaphu, attended the 9th Biennial Conference of the International Forum of Teacher Regulatory Authorities (IFTRA), held from 17–19 June 2026 in Johannesburg. The conference was organised and co-hosted by the Africa Federation of Teaching Regulatory Authorities and the South African Council for Educators (SACE).

The conference hosted delegates from teaching regulatory bodies across the world, featured an address by the Minister of Basic Education, Hon Siviwe Gwarube and the presence of representatives from the UNESCO, the African Union, SACE, Ontario College of Teachers (Canada), Queensland College of Teachers (Australia), General Teaching Council for Scotland, NSW Education Standards Authority (Australia), Jamaican Teaching Council, Fiji Teachers Registration Authority, Department of Education (Western Australia), Botswana Teaching Professionals Council, Teaching Council of Zambia, National Teaching Council (Ghana), UNESCO IICBA, the University of Glasgow, the University of Oxford, the University of York, NASDTEC, Victorian Institute of Teaching, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Owerri, South African teachers, and many others.

The conference was themed “Strengthening the Teaching Profession and Teaching Councils”. Through international case studies and models on professional regulation, presentations underscored the importance of tested, evidence-based solutions to guide education ministries.

A standout presentation for Tshegofatso was delivered by Ms Ntombozuko Mkizwana, Principal of the Mandela School of Science and Technology, who shared her school leadership journey while reflecting on learning poverty and foundational learning. A key takeaway from her presentation was the call for schools to strengthen Work-Integrated Learning for pre-service teachers. She argued that school-based practice should rigorously prepare future teachers for the classroom rather than simply serving as a graduation requirement.