In a remarkable achievement that has brought pride to Elsburg Primary School, Sthembile Mtshali has been honoured with position two in the Gauteng National Teaching Awards under the excellence in Grade R teaching category.

For Mtshali, this recognition is more than just a trophy; it is a heartfelt validation of years of hard work, creativity, and commitment to shaping young minds.

“I’m truly humbled and overwhelmed with joy. Being recognised as a top educator in Gauteng is an incredible honour. It validates the hard work and dedication I’ve put into teaching and making a difference in my learners’ lives,” shared Mtshali.

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From assistant to award-winning educator

Her education journey began in 2018 when she started as a teacher assistant. By 2020, she had earned her own classroom, a Grade R space filled with colour, curiosity, and energy.

Driven by her passion for early childhood development, she finds great fulfilment in helping young learners discover their potential.

“It’s rewarding to shape young minds and watch them grow. When I entered the awards, I didn’t expect to go this far, but I’m glad I took the chance. The process was stressful, with sleepless nights preparing presentations, but it was worth it,” she shares.

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Her hard work first earned her position one in the Ekurhuleni region before she went on to achieve Position 2 provincially, making her one of Gauteng’s most outstanding educators in her field.

Innovating in the classroom

Mtshali’s teaching philosophy blends creativity with modern tools. She integrates technology and play-based learning to make lessons interactive and engaging.

“I cater to different learning styles through technology. It makes learning more fun and ensures that every child participates. I also attend professional development programmes like the SACE Colloquium to stay updated and bring new insights into my classroom,” said Mtshali.

Her approach focuses not only on literacy and numeracy but also on equipping her learners with 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and digital literacy, preparing them for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Nurturing young leaders

She said teaching goes beyond academics. “I aim to develop young leaders who are confident, curious, and ready to face the world,” she said.

She creates a safe and inclusive environment where every learner feels valued and supported. She also believes in building strong relationships with parents.

Through regular communication and WhatsApp updates, she keeps parents involved in their children’s learning and is planning parent-teacher workshops to strengthen collaboration.

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Defining excellence in teaching

When asked what excellence in teaching means to her, Mtshali’s answer was simple yet profound: “It’s about going above and beyond to meet each learner’s unique needs. It means creating a love for learning, fostering curiosity, and empowering learners to reach their full potential.”

With her eyes set on the future, Mtshali dreams of growing her impact beyond the classroom.

“I see myself becoming a national asset, contributing to curriculum research, mentoring other teachers, and maybe one day serving in parliament to advocate for education,” she said.

Her story is one of perseverance, purpose, and passion, a reminder that great teachers don’t just teach; they inspire.

As the Elsburg Primary community celebrates her success, Mtshali stands as a shining example of what dedication and love for education can achieve.