Teacher’s dedication earns top honours

“For every educator, there’s no greater joy than witnessing a learner thrive and succeed.”

Those are the words of a young and dedicated teacher at Laerskool Roodebeeck who was recently named the Best Grade R Teacher in the whole of Gauteng.

Bernice Yvonne Delport won the Excellence in Grade R Teaching award at the 2024 National Teaching Awards that took place in October.

As a former learner of Roodebeeck and Hoërskool Bastion, Bernice remembers the first time she fell in love with teaching.

“Growing up, I thought I was going to pursue law. However, when I was in Grade Seven, I was standing in front of the whole class, reading a poem. For some reason, I just fell in love with English and languages, and I wanted to explore even more,” she reflects.

After completing high school, she went straight into the workforce, driven to save up for her degree. She worked in multiple roles, such as administrative work, and in 2013 she was appointed at Roodebeeck as an assistant teacher.

She shared that it took her about eight years to fully complete her degree in foundation phase teaching from the University of South Africa. She says her big break came in 2021 when she received an official position at the school, catching the attention of an inspector who urged the school’s deputy principal to nominate her for the national teaching awards.

The nomination process was rigorous, with Bernice undergoing four interviews. But when her name was called on stage, she felt an overwhelming sense of appreciation.

“For me, this work is more than just a job – it’s about teaching these learners life skills as well,” she says. “I find joy in seeing my learners thrive, finding their strengths and weaknesses. In my class, we respect and appreciate each other.”

Bernice’s influence extends far beyond the classroom. She shares her teaching experiences and fun classroom activities on her TikTok account, inspiring educators worldwide. Additionally, she provides training to 41 underprivileged schools, focusing on English language and remedial learning.

“I often compare teachers to bees, whose tireless efforts pollinate young minds, sowing the seeds of knowledge and growth. Just as bees collect nectar to create sweet honey, our learners absorb and flourish from the wisdom we impart. As an educator, I strive to instill in my learners a sense of self-worth, reminding them that their uniqueness is their greatest strength, and encouraging them to reach for their full potential,” she concludes.