Star Teacher

1. What is the best part about being a teacher?

Helping learners explore new avenues and seeing the light in their eyes when they ‘get it’ is truly the best thing. It makes all the troubles you go through worth it.

2.What is the most challenging thing for a teacher?

Patience. Not all learners learn at the same pace or in the same way. They have different abilities and capabilities, and it is my job to find that out. In most cases we don't have the luxury (time), because we have a target to reach. Encouraging a learner who underperforms and has given up hope of mastering your subject is also a challenge.

3.What advice do you have for learners who want to become teachers?

Be open-minded, be confident in yourself and what you bring to the table. Keep yourself updated, academically as well as technologically related to education, especially your subject. It is important to know not everyone has the same opinions and ideas about your profession as you do when you teach. People will disagree with you on your teaching methods, how you practice discipline in the class, the curriculum. Be prepared to defend and explain your ideas, but be wise how you go about it. Accepting their right to disagree is also an option. Volunteer to teach and see if it is your passion. Make sure you practice what you preach. Lastly, you have nothing to prove, accept support and help from others. And if you have questions, ask. It worked for me.

4. What are some of the best lessons you have learnt from being a teacher?

I get to create my working environment; I choose how my day will end. Things change constantly, be adaptable. Planning will save you a lot of grief and stress, and when you plan, have another plan, for if things don't go to plan. Challenge yourself and don't limit yourself; limits are what we think we cannot do. If you ignore that and break your limit, you will release your inner strength and really make a difference. Personal attention to a learner makes a difference. Sometimes they just need that "good work!" to turn around. As a teacher, it is okay to admit when you are wrong and apologise. Your personal approach will determine the atmosphere in the classroom. As a teacher you have the power to make a child's life miserable or joyous, be an encourager or humiliate them. The choice is ours; we must remember whatever we choose to do will be remembered long after the lesson ends.

5.What do you look forward to every day as a teacher?

I get to celebrate milestones and laugh a lot. You are able to make a difference in the life of a child. That child needs to know that if no one else believes in them, you do.