West Coast educators were celebrated on Friday 13 September and are now gearing up for the provincial round of the Annual National Teaching Awards.
The West Coast Education District Awards were held at Weskus School. Educators from the districts were honoured for the difference they make in the lives of learners in the region.
According to Craig Paulsen, District NTA Coordinator, the cluster’s winners will now progress and compete at the Provincial National Teaching Awards over the next few weeks.
Weslander spoke to a few of the winners to ask them what the winning recipe is for making a difference in learners’ lives.. Eugenia Paulo-Goagoses, Masiphatisane Primary – Excellence in Primary School teaching: “We have various learners with learning challenges, so it is very important to remember each child is an individual and should be treated as such. My motto is to give each child the same education I would give my own children.”. Deidrié Marais, Liebenberg Primary – Excellence in Technology-enhanced teaching and learning: “It is so easy to focus on the learners that need more help and assistance but it is also important to try and challenge the learners who are up for it. Coding is one of the lessons I focus on most as it not only prepares learners for the job market, but also to let them know there is a world beyond their town.”. Cecilia de Vries, Langebaanweg Primary – Excellence in Grade R teaching: “Every child is important. I was drawn to Grade R teaching because it is the foundation of a school career. I have been at Langebaanweg for 11 years and throughout this time learnt how important the ground work we do in Grade R is.”. Roeleen Fisher-Holloway, Kratis Special School – Excellence in Special needs teaching: “My focus sums up my approach to teaching – If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn. The most important thing is to establish a line of communication because from there teaching can begin.”
