Discovery Primary teacher Lameez Davids recently placed second at the 25th National Teachers Awards (Gauteng Provincial edition) for her excellent work in Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN) teaching.

The awards ceremony took place on Tuesday, October 7, in Edenvale, where Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, Matome Chilaone, personally congratulated the winners.

As the only special needs teacher at her school, Davids has become a beloved figure among her learners, who hold her in the highest regard. She expressed her joy and humility at the recognition, saying, “It is truly an honour to have my work acknowledged at the provincial level. I am ecstatic that my efforts to make a difference in these children’s lives are being recognised.”

Notably, Discovery Primary was the only mainstream school with an LSEN class that made it to the provincial level.

Davids holds a Bachelor of Education degree in Foundation Phase Teaching and an Honours degree in Special Needs Teaching, which she graduated with Cum Laude.

She has been part of the Discovery family since 2018 and started teaching the LSEN class in 2023, where she ensures that she caters to each learner’s needs and learning abilities.

In an interview with the Roodepoort Record, she revealed that her key to success lies in creating a safe haven for every child. She ensures that every learner thrives, feels valued, and receives support. Additionally, she and the school-based support team also introduced a skills development programme that includes cooking, baking, gardening, arts and crafts, just to ensure that the learners’ potentials are met.

“Our school mantra is ‘No child left behind’ and ‘Every child is a national asset’,” she shared.

Her advice to other teachers is “accept and embrace the learners’ differences.”

The school principal and the school governing body also expressed their extreme pride in Davids achievement.