Elevating Learning Standards: Shaun Jacob's Groundbreaking Vision -

Shaun Jacobs has never been one to follow the traditional path. From his early days as a tutor juggling multiple roles to becoming the Managing Director of Ultimate Education, Shaun’s journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a visionary approach to education. His story is not just about personal achievement, but a testament to his unwavering commitment to transforming the landscape of mathematics education in South Africa. Shaun’s innovative strategies and deep understanding of the educational challenges have positioned him as a pioneer, dedicated to making quality education accessible to every student, regardless of their background.

From Tutor to Trailblazer: The Early Career and Vision of an Educational Innovator

Shaun Jacobs’ journey into the education sector began shortly after matriculating from Pearson High School in Port Elizabeth in 2014. In 2015, he joined Nelson Mandela University (NMU) to study for his Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree. It was during his university years that Shaun’s entrepreneurial spirit began to take shape. He started offering one-on-one and small group tutoring sessions, charging a modest rate of R50 per hour. This experience sparked his interest in establishing his own business, leading to the creation of “Tutor @ Your Door” in 2018. Despite the demands of being a full-time student, rugby coach, and business owner, Shaun managed to build a team of six tutors and developed a commission package for two school students to act as brand ambassadors.

Shaun graduated from NMU in 2019 and moved to Johannesburg, where he took up a position as a Mathematics teacher at Fourways High School. His time at FHS was invaluable, providing him with cherished memories and a deep understanding of the challenges facing mathematics education in South Africa. This insight inspired him to transition into the corporate world with a focus on education. After two years of studying trends and analyzing the educational landscape, Shaun launched Ultimate Education in January 2024, with a mission to provide mass market quality mathematics education.

Milestones (Infographic will be created in Magazine Layout)

To visualize Shaun Jacobs’ career journey, here are the key milestones:

2014: Matriculated from Pearson High School, Port Elizabeth.
2015: Began BEd degree at Nelson Mandela University (NMU).
2015-2019: Worked as a one-on-one tutor.
2018-2019: Founded and ran “Tutor @ your door.”
2018-2019: Coached varsity rugby at NMU.
2019: Graduated from NMU and moved to Johannesburg to teach mathematics at Fourways High School.
May 2022: Transitioned to the corporate world with an education focus.
2022 – 2023: Worked in corporate education, studying and analyzing emerging trends in the educational market.
2024: Launched Ultimate Education, focusing on mass-market quality mathematics education.
2024: Launched “Ultimate Maths” TV show on SABC2.

Strategic moves often arise from recognizing unique opportunities in challenging markets.

Revolutionizing Education: Integrating Technology for a Better Tomorrow

At Ultimate Education, Shaun and his team believe that technological integration in academics is the future. From his teaching days, Shaun recognized that the profession is burdened with administrative tasks that detract from actual teaching. To address this, Ultimate Education has partnered with a math app that allows educators to give informal tests, which are marked and analyzed within seconds. This significantly reduces the administrative burden, freeing up teachers to focus more on teaching and less on paperwork.

Ultimate Education integrates technology into all its service offerings, including the TV show “Ultimate Maths,” which airs on SABC2 every Monday and Tuesday at 16h00. Each episode concludes with a test, and the results are used to tailor the revision segments of the season to address areas where students struggle the most. This innovative approach not only provides tangible results but also ensures that the content is relevant and effective.

Shaun’s vision extends beyond the TV show. Ultimate Education also partners with school mathematics departments to embed technology into their daily teaching practices. This tailored approach recognizes that each school operates differently and requires customized solutions. The goal is to make quality mathematics education accessible to all students, regardless of their circumstances or background.

Technology integration in education is not just beneficial, it’s transformative.

Empowering Every Learner: Transforming Student Experience and Success

Ultimate Education is committed to ensuring that no student is left behind. The decision to launch a TV show on SABC was driven by the desire to reach every corner of the country, leveraging the wide accessibility of the channel. In 2025, Ultimate Education will expand its offerings with “Ultimate Schools,” a service aimed at assisting and supporting school mathematics departments. This initiative will help alleviate some of the burdens on educators while providing students, teachers, and parents with continuous testing and in-depth diagnostics. These statistics are crucial for tracking progress and identifying areas that need improvement.

Shaun believes in rewarding and incentivizing students for their efforts in mathematics. Studies have shown that students’ emotional outlook on the subject can significantly impact their performance. By recognizing and rewarding effort, even for those who may not yet excel, Ultimate Education aims to ignite a passion for learning and encourage continuous improvement. Shaun is confident that with enough practice, any student can succeed in mathematics.

Every student deserves recognition for their efforts, regardless of their starting point.

Leading with Purpose: Navigating Challenges and Fostering Growth

As the Managing Director of Ultimate Education, Shaun has faced numerous challenges, the most significant being the goal of ensuring that quality education reaches every corner of the country. He understands that helping a select few students is not enough; the real impact comes from reaching the masses. Through careful analysis, case studies, and innovative techniques, Shaun has developed a business model that aims to provide educational opportunities to all students.

One of Shaun’s proudest achievements is the launch of the “Ultimate Maths” TV show. Balancing the demands of running a company while being the face of a TV show has been challenging, but the success of the show speaks volumes about the dedication and hard work of the Ultimate Education team. With over 3,000,000 views after the first 30 episodes, the feedback from both students and teachers has been overwhelmingly positive. The show’s innovative approach to teaching mathematics has resonated with viewers and is being integrated into classrooms across the country.

Pioneering the Future: Trends and Vision for Educational Excellence

Looking ahead, Shaun sees a gradual shift towards IT integration in South African schools. While the transition may take time, Ultimate Education is committed to ensuring that technology is utilized to its maximum potential. The goal is to achieve maximum output of results, leading to a more academically strong cohort of students who are better prepared for tertiary edn.

Ultimate Education’s long-term vision is to become the leading mathematics education ecosystem in Africa. Shaun envisions a future where Ultimate Education supports students from the moment they wake up in the morning to the second they go to sleep, ensuring that mathematical learning continues beyond the classroom. This holistic approach aims to provide continuous support and resources, making a significant difference in students’ educational journeys.

Shaun Jacobs’ journey is a testament to his dedication and passion for education. His innovative strategies and commitment to making quality mathematics education accessible to all have positioned him as a leader in the field. As Ultimate Education continues to grow and expand, Shaun’s vision and leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of mathematics education in South Africa and beyond.