Star teacher of the week

Mrs Basson

Hermann Gmeiner Primary School

1. Why did you decide to become a primary school teacher?

My grade 1 teacher inspired me to be a primary teacher. I admired the love and compassion she had for every child in our class and decided to follow in her footsteps. I wanted to teach those little ones to read; I wanted to lay the foundation of formal education for them.

2. What were your aspirations at a younger age?

I aspired to work for the betterment of the community and have real enjoyment in my job one day.

3. What motivates you to get up every morning to go to work?

What motivates me is the boys and girls in my class: the excitement on their faces every day they come to school, the excitement they have when you teach something new. They are so eager to want to know what will happen tomorrow. The moment that they conquer something in class and get praise for it.

4. What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your learners?

I learned appreciating and patience. To appreciate every learner and their background and to be patient because every learner has their own pace of working out things.

5. Tell us about your challenges and how you overcome them every day.

My challenge is teaching sounds (phonetics) and reading at the beginning of the year, especially with Covid-19.

Overcoming my challenges: I am always planning and ask parents to help and support learners also.

6. How long have you been a teacher?

I have been a teacher for nine years.

7. What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about the subjects that I teach, especially mathematics and English as a first language.

8. What is your favourite place to visit in Namibia?

My favourite place in Namibia is the Etosha National Park.