Teaching, they say, is much more than just a profession. It is a calling. This month as we celebrate world teacher day, we’d like to introduce to you to a few remarkable, passionate and hard-working North Coast educators.
Ingrid Hoffman – Curro Mount Richmore
Ingrid Hoffman, a teacher at Curro Mount Richmore, has been appointed as the Curro Curriculum Management and Delivery (CCMD) Mathematics subject specialist nationally within Curro. Mrs Hoffman also heads up the Robotics Programme with the title of International WRO Judge and KZN regional organiser. The combination of the subjects she champions further assists children to reach their maximum potential in these areas. “The opportunity for one of our own to be a subject specialist is an indication of the strength of our educators at Curro Mount Richmore and we are so proud of Mrs Hoffman, she is an inspiration,” says Mr Thomas, Executive Head.
Details: Curro Mount Richmore, 087 285 1671, [email protected]
Cindy Whittle, Durban Girls’ College
Grade 11 Teacher Cindy Whittle is passionate about teaching – a passion that was inspired by her grandmother. “I adored her and she adored being a teacher. My passion for Life Sciences was easily married with my passion for God, and I loved seeing His fingerprints on the world around me.” A Biology and Life Sciences teacher, Cindy says she loves the subjects she teaches. “My students don’t’ only learn about ecology, but about the impact their choices can have on the environment, not only about pregnancy and childbirth but about DNA structure and how unique they are.” Cindy has an Honours in Medical Biochemistry and hopes to complete her Masters. A motto she lives by is by Brené Brown: “What we know matters, but who we are matters more”.
Dale Charter, Durban Girls’ College
After working as an Environmental Consultant for seven years, Dale joined Durban Girls’ College as an intern while completing her PGCE in 2013. She has been a Senior Primary teacher for seven years, and is currently a Grade 5 class teacher. She teaches Maths, English, Natural Sciences and Social Science. Dale says she uses her own life experiences to lead her students. “19 ago, I developed Type 1 Diabetes while studying at university. Over the past few years, I have had the unique privilege of being able to learn from, guide and inspire young girls with the same condition. I live every day reminding myself that, ‘you may not be able to control every situation and its outcome, but you can control your attitude and how you deal with it’”.
Thandi Zondo, Durban Girls’ College
Thandi has been a teacher for 28 years and has spent 17 of those years at Durban Girls’ College in the Junior Primary as a Grade 1, 2, 3 and isiZulu teacher to the whole phase. She became a Junior Primary Information Technology, Grade 3 Maths and isiZulu teacher in 2018. She also introduced marimbas (a percussion music instrument) to the school in 2006 and is says she still enjoys teaching them.
“My all-time favourite quote is, ‘Do the best you can and when you know better, do better’ by Maya Angelou. I am a firm believer in the words of an isiZulu spiritual song that says, ‘singing gladdens a sad heart, so I sing and dance to uplift my spirit’.”
Jane Ryan, The Wykeham Collegiate
The Wykeham Collegiate Grade 4 teacher and IT Innovator, Jane Ryan has been a teacher for 22 years. She is passionate about her profession and the use of technology as means to work with a wider community and help others do the same. Jane was chosen as one of Apple’s Distinguished Educators (one of three chosen in the country) in 2019. The programme focuses on educational excellence and leadership and includes working with fellow educators and Apple to bring the most innovative ideas to learners everywhere. She is also involved in the Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert Programme for 2020/21 – a group of passionate educators who are constantly learning and working together to change lives and build a better world. Details: The Wykeham Collegiate, Pietermaritzburg, www.twc.org.za, 033 342 0752.
