Ukufunda Education is a lean organisation, directed by Garth Spencer-Smith. We have a network of associates - several dozen education experts who work with us as and when their skills are needed. These associates range from qualitative and quantitative experts to project managers and fieldworkers. All are hand-picked for their experience, skills and desire and ability to complete work of the highest quality.
M.Phil in Monitoring and Evaluation (Stellenbosch University)
M.Ed in Maths Education (University of Cape Town)
B.Sc and B.Sc (Hons) (University of Cape Town)
HDE (PG) Sec (University of Cape Town)
15+ years of independent education consulting, including involvement in over 25 independent evaluations as a team leader, project manager, and/or senior researcher
20+ years of Mathematics teaching and management experience in government and private schools in South Africa, Namibia and the UK
10 articles published in peer-reviewed academic journals
Mathematics is the subject area on which Garth focuses most of his attention and energy, as it is his primary area of expertise and interest, and since South Africa has such an enormous need for improvement in this area.
Garth is also known as The Maths Dean. More information and reviews of his mathematics teaching and tutoring can be found here:
UEC draws on a vetted pool of experts selected based on project needs. Key associates include:
Over 25 years’ experience in education research, planning, monitoring and evaluation, and project evaluation. Key member of over 60 projects, with 12 publications in academic books or peer-reviewed journals. PhD in Education.
An education specialist in research, evaluation, project management and stakeholder relations/management. Substantial experience working in education foundations. PhD in Educational Leadership and Management.
Experienced researcher and lecturer in Early Childhood Development, over 20 years’ experience as a Foundation Phase teacher. Parental engagement specialist. PhD in Educational Psychology.
Assistant lecturer for Maths Education in the University of Johannesburg’s Department of Childhood Education. Several years of education project fieldwork experience. M.Ed degree.
Data analyst, with considerable experience in psychometric testing and other statistical methods. M.A degree.
An ex-school principal with over 35 years’ experience across traditional, online and blended learning environments. Strengths are quality assurance, curriculum development, educational technology (including AI) and people management with a strong commitment to values-driven, consultative leadership. B.Sc (Hons) degree.
Experienced trainer, facilitator, fieldworker, and project manager. B.BusAdmin degree.
Experienced NGO manager, secondary school English teacher and tertiary lecturer with substantial experience in project leadership, instructional design and training. B.Ed degree.
Recently retired primary school deputy principal with over 40 years’ experience in the WCED. M.Ed degree.
Retired primary school principal with nearly 40 years’ experience in the WCED. B.Ed (Hons) degree.
Experienced principal of ECD centres and ECD practitioner trainer. B.PubAdmin degree (in progress).