Madiba’s famous quote which states that ‘education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’ highlights the pivotal value that education holds within any society, and with it, the significance of the role of a teacher.
Beyond lesson plans, assessments and work schedules, the role of a teacher transcends way beyond the four walls that make up a classroom. In the journey of becoming the leaders of tomorrow, teachers embody that critical point that empowers youth to be ready for their future.
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Critical thinking, inspiration and support are mere drops in the ocean that is a teacher’s impact. What is equally as important is the recognition of teachers and all that they do.
Now in its 23rd year, the Western Cape Provincial Teaching Award ceremony saw 14 of the best provincial teachers being honoured for their outstanding contributions and exceptional teaching practices throughout the academic year.
The award represents the epitome of teaching excellence
Education MEC David Maynier said ‘These awards give us the opportunity to celebrate the incredible work teachers in our public schools do every day and to recognise excellent teaching practice.’
Maynier and the Head of Education, Brent Walters, presented the awards to recipients that have demonstrated a unique combination of dedication, skill and passion for education in various domains.
Meet the winners:
- Excellence in Grade R Teaching – Ms Hester Horn, Paul Greyling Primary School, Fish Hoek
- Excellence in Primary School Teaching (Grades 1 to 7) – Mr Dillon Henwood, Elnor Primary School, Elsies River
- Excellence in Primary School Leadership – Mr Mogamat Rosdine Desai, Heideveld Primary School, Heideveld
- Excellence in Secondary School Teaching (Grades 8 to 12) – Ms Natasha Smith, Apex High School, Eerste River
- Excellence in Secondary School Leadership – Mr Mzoliswa Michael Mavovana, Hector Petersen Secondary School, Wallacedene, Kraaifontein
- Excellence in Special Needs Teaching – Ms Jasmin Joy Meyer, Dorothea Special School, Cloetesville, Stellenbosch
- Excellence in Special Needs School Leadership – Mr Taswald Andrews, Florida School of Skills, Ruyterwacht
- Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (GET) – Ms Shariefa Clark, Beacon Hill High School, Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain
- Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (FET) – Ms Nomakwezi Mayekiso, Siphamandla High School, Kuyasa, Khayelitsha
- Excellence in Teaching Natural Sciences – Mr Clemence Thomas, Touwsrivier Primary School, Touws Rivier
- Excellence in Teaching Physical Sciences – Mr Cyril Goldstone, Bloubergrant High School, Bloubergrise, Cape Town
- Excellence in Technology (Enhanced Teaching and Learning) – Ms Shanley Amy Cyster, Rietenbosch Primary School, Cloetesville, Stellenbosch
- Best Teacher Award – Ms Lizette Schroeder, Protea Heights Academy, Brackenfell
- Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award – Ms Siddieka Hassen, Capricorn Primary School, Vrygrond
In a statement, Maynier congratulated the outstanding teachers and added that the department ‘looks forward to seeing even greater achievements from them in the future’.
The 14 provincial winners will now go on to represent the Western Cape at the National Teaching Awards, to be held on World Teachers’ Day (5 October) during Teacher Appreciation Month.
‘Four of our teachers walked away with national awards last year, along with two runner-ups, so we are sure to see some great results this year,’ said Maynier.
Maynier also thanked all teachers of the Western Cape for their hard work over the past academic year.
‘Our teachers are our most valuable asset, and we appreciate their love, care and support for our children every single day!’ concluded Maynier.
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