Star teacher of the week

When and why did you decide to become a teacher?



From a very young age, I always played teacher with my peers and it was only natural which career path I would pursue. I decided to become a teacher because it offers the opportunity to impart knowledge and to take someone on a journey from the unknown to enlightenment is a thrilling experience. To top it off, I am passionate about young people and being a teacher allows me to interact with them every day.



What is the best part about being a teacher?

The best part of being a teacher is unearthing potential that laid dormant in various learners who come to my class. Seeing the wonder in their eyes when they discover a new concept is quite a sight to behold. The ability to work with learners from different backgrounds and unique skills and talents is something I always cherish.



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

I completed four years of teacher training at the University of Namibia (Unam). This included subject knowledge education in two of my two subjects, English and Otjiherero, as well as education core modules. The training included service training through a programme known as teaching practice which gave us first-hand experience of what it takes to be a teacher.



What has been the highlight of your teaching career thus far?

My highlight would be taking Otjiherero as subject from being the eighth worst performing subject to the best performing subject in the grade 10 JSC national after eight months on the job at Khomas High School in 2016. Taking a group of 50 Otjiherero learners on their first ever educational tour to a language and cultural festival in 2019. Winning three debating trophies in two months. There are a lot of highlights, but those are but a few that spring to my mind.



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

I enjoy reading my Bible and books centred on leadership and life principles. Socialising with friends, family and former learners. Watching news and documentaries.

What lessons have you learnt from your learners?

To live in the moment, take risks and prioritise self-care. They also taught me, as they say it, to “chill" and not to always stress about everything and everyone.



What is the one thing that keeps you going every day?

It's God, as I take my profession as a divine assignment and calling. My passion for children is a driving force as interacting with them makes my day and knowing that I have a wealth knowledge that I can impart on them each day keep me on my toes.



What are some of the challenges you face as a teacher?

Discipline amongst learners, a lack of access to technology and technological devices and toxic influence from the community where the kids hail from is a hinderance. A lack of resources to achieve timely completion of teaching and learning and, most recently, school closures that stalled teaching and learning due to Covid-19 cases, to mention but a few.



What are the best parts about being a teacher?

The best part of teaching is the ability to touch lives forever and a lot holiday time which ensures enough recuperation and recovery as teaching is a demanding profession, but yet fulfilling like no other.