In South Africa, the concept of Teacher Liaison Officers (TLOs) emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s as part of efforts to support and improve youth development, school safety, and community engagement.
Teacher Liaison Officer is a professional who serves as an intermediary between School Management Teams (SMTs), School Governing Body (SGBs), Teachers, Representative Council of Learners (RCLs), and at times with the community. According to the Personnel Administrative Measures (PAM), which is found in the Employment of Educators Act 76 of 1998 (Chapter A, Section 4.3), TLO is the responsibility of the Deputy Principal; however, here in the Gauteng Province, most of the time, this responsibility is delegated to a Post Level 1 Teacher, to advice and support the Representative Council of Learners.
Teacher Liaison Officers (TLOs) play a pivotal role in maintaining effective communication and collaboration and building a strong relationship between SMTs, SGBs, Teachers, Parents, RCLs, the Community, and external organisations.
The Roles and Responsibilities of TLOs are as follows:
- To act as a bridge of communication between the School Management Team, School Governing Body, and Representative Council of Learners (RCLs) to ensure that RCLs are supported, well-informed and well-equipped with the knowledge and skills they require to fulfil their roles and responsibilities effectively.
- It is the responsibility of the TLO to coordinate the establishment of an RCL and its annual election and to serve as the Election Officer during the elections of the RCL and its Executive.
- To ensure that there is a formal, well-organised transfer of all documentation and financial records by the outgoing Executive to the newly elected Executive so that the members can undertake their functions in the new year
- To ensure that the RCL is supported by the School Management Team and the School Governing Body
- To ensure that the RCL supports the vision and mission of the school.
- And to ensure that the RCL remains functional and fulfils all of its roles
As an expert and overseer in this regard, the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership and Governance (MGSLG) continues to equip TLOs with the knowledge and skills they need to fulfil their roles and responsibilities. On February 22, 2025, the Teacher Liaison Officers from all the 15 districts of Gauteng were trained on Roles and Responsibilities in various venues across Gauteng.
Teacher Liaison Officers are crucial in creating a supportive and empowering school environment by building a strong relationships between all school stakeholders. They also play a crucial role in RCL Leadership Skill Development, school safety, Career Guidance, and overall learner welfare.