Star Teacher of the week

“I have been a teacher for the past 15 years, and the passion I have for teaching makes me forget that I have been one of the long serving members in the profession.”

When and why did you decide to become a teacher?

To improve the quality of education. The main reason I became a teacher is to impact the education system. I recognised the need to improve the quality of education in this country, hence I decided to become a teacher to effect change. There is a lot of work to be done, but it is the collective effort of thousands of dedicated teachers that will make the most difference and I'm proud to be one of them.

What is the best part about being a teacher?

To give back to my community. One of the reasons for me to become a teacher was to contribute to my community in a meaningful way. Teaching is one of the most direct ways to make an impact, and since I am driven by the desire to help those around me, being a teacher is an invaluable contribution!

Can you tell us of your journey towards becoming a teacher?

I am a bona fide of Windhoek city, and grew up in a small village called Onekwaya West in the Ohangwena Region some decades ago. After primary school, I completed grade 12 at G.T.SSS in Ongwediva. I'm a highly motivated and enthusiastic holder of a bachelor degree in logistics and supply chain management from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and a qualified teacher of integrated natural sciences and mathematics from WCE, North West University and the University of Namibia (Unam) respectively. I'm currently a teacher and head of the science department at Acacia HS in Windhoek and pursuing a qualification in leadership, management and policy studies with the International University of Management (IUM). I have been a teacher for the past 15 years, and the passion I have for teaching makes me forget that I have been one of the long serving members in the profession.

When and why did you decide to become a teacher?

To change the lives of learners. As a teacher, I'm expected to do more than teaching, and my impact extends far beyond the classroom setup. As a teacher, I am more than just an educator - I'm a mentor, a confidant and a friend. One of the most common reasons I became a teacher is to make a difference in the lives of as many learners as I can.

What is the best part about being a teacher?

The best part of being a teacher is the hopeful eyes of my learners circulate around my eyes and their innocence invites me into their lives. I've been waking up early in the morning for as long as I can remember, it began because I thought people who woke up early are the real deal and are totally cool. Yes, I've been told that I have different perceptions of coolness than most people and I refuse to change them. For the better part of my teaching career, I've been waking up at 04:00 or 4:30 in the mornings, depending on the preparatory work to be carried out for the day.

What lessons have you learnt from your learners?

I have learnt that assumptions about learners can be dangerous.

I have learnt from a learner that new learning can be overwhelming. Many learners have great difficulty when challenged by rigorous coursework. This is especially true when the course includes activities and assignments that require learners to demonstrate their knowledge. For most of their school years, success in and out of the classroom has been relatively easy for many learners. When challenged by rigorous coursework, they experience fears that can be paralysing. For some learners, these become insurmountable obstacles.

What are some of your hobbies or things you enjoy doing in your spare time?

As a young boy, my hopes and aspirations included being healthy and happy, having skills and confidence to explore and venture out into the world to play and learn. I always aspire to have the confidence and skills to take an active part in and gain pleasure from community-based activities or community events.