Classroom dreams to leadership: A deputy principal’s story
Local deputy principal and maths teacher Lizzy Maivha shares her journey from helping her teacher with marking, to becoming a teacher herself.
With nearly three decades of teaching under her belt, Lizzy Maivha, deputy principal and mathematics teacher at Montrose Primary School, stands as a beacon of resilience, dedication, and purpose.
Her education journey was not a conventional one, but it is precisely that path that has shaped her into the impactful educator she is today.
Raised in a home where both parents were illiterate, Maivha faced the odds early. “I did not have any help at home, because my mom and dad could not read or write.”
Also read: Young guitarist shreds audiences at Bryanston Primary School talent show
She said that one teacher’s belief in her changed everything. “She took me under her wing, helped me with my schoolwork, and gave me purpose. At the time, I thought it was a punishment, being taken away from my friends to help the teacher with marking or other tasks, but it became the foundation of my calling.”
Maivha pointed out that she originally dreamed of becoming a dentist, but financial constraints led her to a teaching college in Limpopo. She graduated from Naphuno College of Education and began teaching in 1997 in Lenasia South, as one of the first African teachers in a Muslim Indian school.
“That was when I realised I was destined for greatness,” she said. “It motivated me to believe in myself and push further.”
Also read: Redhill School’s historic Aitken Cup hockey win
She highlighted that her career took off after she joined Montrose Primary School. “From teaching physical education, to Grade 5 mathematics, I steadily rose through the ranks, first as a grade facilitator, then as head of department for mathematics, and eventually deputy principal.”
She elaborated that each step was fueled by an insatiable desire to grow. “I only had a diploma when I started. I enrolled at a local university for my advanced certificate in education, then later completed my honours in mathematics at the University of Johannesburg. Every qualification opened a new door.”
Today, Maivha balances academic excellence with leadership responsibilities. “No two days are the same. You need to be flexible. A child might need extra help in maths, a parent may come in with a concern, or there could be a disciplinary matter. You have to breathe, prioritise, and still make sure your lessons are prepared and impactful, even if you are pulled out of the classroom.”
Read more: Michael Mount Waldorf School learner swims for significance
Under her guidance, Montrose Primary has flourished in mathematics competitions, including the Horizon Maths Challenge and the Association for Mathematics Education of South Africa (AMESA) Olympiads, regularly ranking among the top-performing schools.
She shared her five teaching tips:
- Put the children first: They are the reason we teach. Their growth and well-being should always be your priority.
- Be prepared: Even when life gets busy, your lessons must be ready, structured, and delivered with care.
- Know your learners: Each child is unique. Learn their names, strengths, and challenges. It helps you teach more effectively.
- Meet them at their level: Speak to them in ways they understand. Relate to their world. It builds trust and better learning.
- Support them beyond the classroom: Attend their extracurriculars. Cheer them on. When they see you care outside the classroom, they thrive inside it.
She concluded by stating that, as teachers, they wear many hats. “Mentor, mother, motivator, if just one child goes home smiling, knowing someone believes in them, then you’ve done your job.”
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We’d love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
