Auckland Park Preparatory School teacher says kindness and confidence are key lessons
From overseas classrooms to supporting young learners emotionally, Chelsea Wertheim Aymes believes teaching is about far more than academics.
For Auckland Park Preparatory School Grade 1 teacher Chelsea Wertheim Aymes, teaching is about far more than academics.
It is about creating a safe and nurturing environment where children feel seen, supported and encouraged to grow in confidence.
Wertheim Aymes said some of the biggest challenges that shaped her career came when she moved overseas and worked at a Montessori school and later a remedial and special needs school. The experiences exposed her to different teaching styles and ways of supporting learners with varying needs. “Those experiences challenged me in the best ways and deepened my passion for teaching,” she said.
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Like many educators, she admits there have been moments of self-doubt, particularly while adapting to unfamiliar systems and ensuring every learner’s needs were met. However, mentorship from fellow teachers and remaining open to change helped her push through difficult periods.
Teaching, she said, has transformed her personally by making her more patient, adaptable and a stronger problem solver. “I hope my girls leave my classroom knowing how to understand and manage their feelings, treat others with kindness and believe in themselves.”
One learner who left a lasting impression on her was a young girl who struggled academically but never let her challenges define her. “Her resilience, determination and bright personality reminded me that confidence, kindness and attitude can be just as powerful as academic success.”
Also read: Passion and practice shape budding musician
For Wertheim Aymes, building trust is central to helping struggling learners. She believes every child learns differently and that education is increasingly moving towards celebrating individuality rather than forcing learners into one mould.
Outside the classroom, she stays grounded through spending time with loved ones, being creative and exercising, particularly running, which she said gives her time to reflect and recharge.
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