World Teachers Day was celebrated to acknowledge the work of teachers. The Fourways Review asked one local school for teachers who would like to share their teaching experiences.
Beaulieu College responded with two lovely teachers:
Morgan Abrahamse (37) writes: Teaching is not for the faint-hearted. Teaching is very challenging, demanding and sometimes overwhelming, but it is also incredibly rewarding. I have come to cherish the opportunity to work with teenagers, to nurture their growth, and to do so in a diverse environment that allow me to break free from the confines of an office.
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned as a teacher is the importance of kindness, patience and understanding. Each day in the classroom presents new challenges and unique situations and being adaptive has become a vital skill. Not all students are the same and the need for an inclusive classroom has taught me to appreciate and embrace diversity in learning styles and needs.
Teaching has honestly humbled me in countless ways. In the early stages of my career, I grappled with the fear of scrutiny, the desire for approval and the demands of performance management. I felt the weight of expectations and the need to be ‘outstanding’ at all times. The pressure that teachers put on themselves can be exhausting but then you get the students…where do I even start…the relationships you build, the stories you exchange and the bonds that are formed make it all worthwhile. It took me a long time to realise the impact that I had on my students as you often get sidetracked with ‘I need to get this done in time’. The lives that we teachers touch and the knowledge we impart are immeasurable gifts.
The heart of teaching lies in the connections we build with our students. We spend such a significant time with these young minds and in doing so, we sometimes forget the tremendous impact we can have on their lives. That is something so incredibly special. I’ve learned that we are mentors, role models and in many ways second families to these students. Our words and actions can inspire, motivate and instil confidence in their abilities. It’s not just about what we teach but how we teach and the relationships we nature.
San-Mari Pretorius writes: I believe that knowledge is the one thing that no one can take away from you. I strongly believe in developing a holistic child and nurturing an environment that will enable students to be vocal and responsible citizens. By being an example to the youth I can help mold the future. My dedication to my job stems from having a calling to teach young minds and fully equip individuals to grow and develop to their full potential.
Before moving to Johannesburg, I taught Afrikaans, English, life orientation, and arts and culture at Dale College. In the summer I coached water polo and swimming and assisted with athletics where needed. I also coach the water polo U12-U14 and flippa ball at Kingsridge High School. In the winter I was in charge of first aid and assisted with tennis, as well as hockey. I have taught Afrikaans from Grades 9-12 and English to Grades 8-11. In life orientation, I have taught grades 8, 9, and 11. I was head of arts and culture and GET phase Afrikaans. I taught Afrikaans until Grade 12 level, one year at Dale College and at my previous school, Commercial Park.
I am currently teaching Afrikaans, grade head, and TIC of water polo and involved in transformation and diversity work. Teaching is a calling and runs in your veins every day, it forms part of every breath and every step you take. The best teachers, teach from the heart and not the book, you get so involved that you ooze passion and not just read. My best moments are when I see the growth a child has made and how he/she/they have moulded into young humans who want to make a difference. It is a physically and mentally straining job, but you push through because who else will step up for the child who finds a safe environment in your class? Every day is a blessing because I get to share a love for learning, no two days are the same and with one small act each day, I can make a change.
The hardest part of teaching is being motivated when you feel that there is no support when you see the struggle of a child and sit awake at night trying to find a way to help. Being judged that it is only a half-day ‘easy job’. Living on cold coffee because there is seldom time for a fresh cup.
A message from Junior College Gardens: we celebrated all our amazing Junior Colleges Gardens’ teachers on the 10th of October with a teachers’ day celebration picnic. All our little ones packed a picnic snack and sweet treat for their teachers.
World Teachers’ Day is an important celebration since education is unquestionably our most powerful tool. Teachers should be recognised, praised, and appreciated for all that they do to promote learning, spread knowledge, and encourage students to be inquisitive and thrive. The Junior Colleges Gardens’ team is an incredible group of women whose endless patience, boundless love, and extraordinary skills lay the foundation for our little ones’ brightest future. We celebrate them and always value their incredible contribution. Thank you.
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