TZANEEN – A natural sciences teacher from Unity Primary School, Deon Meyer, has been recognised at the district level in the National Teaching Awards (NTA), an achievement he describes as both deeply meaningful and a source of motivation to continue making a difference in the lives of his learners.

Honoured, grateful and relieved

Reflecting on the moment he heard he had won, Meyer said he felt honoured, grateful, relieved and very happy given the strong competition from other science teachers.

For him, the award is a reminder that the long hours, sacrifices and effort invested in teaching matter.

A calling he once resisted

He began his teaching career in 2018 after receiving encouragement from Unity Primary School’s first principal, Barney Bekker, and former deputy principal Pierre Van Staden, who believed in his ability to teach Natural Sciences.

His eight-year teaching journey has not been without challenges.

He says teaching is a calling he initially resisted, likening his experience to the biblical story of Jonah.

After pursuing other careers and facing unhappiness and unemployment, he eventually embraced what he believes was God’s plan.

Making science come alive

“Becoming a teacher has been the best thing that has happened to me,” he said.

His greatest reward is seeing learners, particularly those with learning barriers, grasp new concepts and gain confidence.

He uses experiments, practical investigations, technology, movement, music and real-life examples to make science engaging, even sharing educational songs via WhatsApp to help learners prepare for exams.

Robotics, rugby and real-world skills

Beyond the classroom, he uses sport, coding, robotics and science competitions to support learners with different abilities.

As a rugby coach, he has seen sport improve both academic performance and behaviour, while high-achieving learners are encouraged to compete in the Eskom Science Expo for Young Scientists and the Tritech Challenge.

He credits his learners, colleagues, mentors, wife and family for their support and honours his late grandfather, a special-needs teacher, as his greatest inspiration.

“Take one step closer to your dream”

His advice to young teachers is to remain passionate, keep learning, adapt to change and embrace new ideas.

“Take one step closer to your dream every day. Don’t just dream, take that step,” he said.