An outpouring of gratitude from learners has placed a beloved teacher, Jessica Truter from Sacred Heart College, firmly in the national spotlight.

The English Experience and The Village recently launched a nationwide social media campaign inviting learners to nominate the English teacher who had made the greatest impact on their lives.

The response was overwhelming, with learners from across South Africa sharing deeply personal stories about educators who had inspired their love for language and literature.

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Among the many heartfelt submissions, one name appeared again and again. Truter emerged as the clear favourite, receiving an exceptional number of nominations from her learners.

Many described how her passion for literature, encouragement in the classroom, and belief in their abilities helped them see their potential beyond marks and exams.

“I was completely shocked,” said Truter, who has been teaching for 12 years. “Teachers often don’t realise the impact they have on their learners. Reading the nominations made me realise how much those small everyday moments matter.”

Originally, the competition prize was a set of English resources for one class. However, after reading the powerful messages from Truter’s learners, the organisers decided to extend the prize to every Grade 10 learner at Sacred Heart College.

During a surprise visit to the school, the team from The English Experience delivered copies of their poetry resource to the entire grade, turning the recognition into a celebration shared by many.

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Nicola Stone, founder of The English Experience, said the campaign highlighted the profound role teachers play in shaping young minds. “Reading the nominations from learners around the country was incredibly moving. Teachers shape the way young people think, express themselves, and understand the world.”

For Truter, teaching English is about far more than grammar or exams. She believes the subject helps learners develop confidence, find their voice, and understand the power of words in an increasingly digital world.

In a classroom where literature is linked to real-life experiences and discussions often stretch beyond the textbook, Truter hopes her learners leave with one important lesson: That their ideas, perspectives, and voices matter.

The campaign’s organisers hope the initiative will continue shining a light on the remarkable work being done by teachers across South Africa, many of whom quietly change lives every day.

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