Willowmoore High teacher’s excellence in maths teaching recognised
She was third in the excellence in teaching mathematics (GET) category.
Mathematics teacher Raheema Ismail believes cultivating a love for maths in the lower grades would stop the negative attitudes in society about the subject.
This Willowmoore High educator received recognition among the best in her subject at the 24th Department of Basic Education (DBE) National Teaching Awards (NTA) at Birchwood Hotel on October 5.
Selected by her Willomoore High colleagues as a candidate, Ismail faced many hurdles on her way to this achievement.
After winning the district round, her preparation for the provincial stage was affected by health problems and the loss of her grandfather. She still passed her interview, placing first in Gauteng and progressing to the nationals.
However, she was in hospital a week before her national interview and discharged two days prior, giving her little time to prepare.
“I told myself I would be content with whatever outcome because the theme for the NTAs was resilience and I felt resilient at that moment after overcoming every challenge,” she said.
She placed third in excellence in mathematics teaching (GET), behind runner-up Thobile Msweli from KZN and winner Ethon Alexander from the Western Cape.
Being among the best maths teachers in the country is a great achievement because Ismail always puts her best foot forward and gives her best to her students.
“It is a wonderful and enriching experience. Being acknowledged at that level is something I’m still trying to digest.”
Advocacy
As an advocate for learners to pursue maths, one of Ismail’s goals is to dismiss the stigma that the subject is difficult.
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“That is why the learners don’t intend to put in the effort. They already tell themselves they cannot do it because it is challenging. But once we break it down and simplify it, they can start seeing their potential. We have to change their mindset and tell them they are capable,” she said.
If middle-grade learners could successfully be taught maths, as well as the skills and mindset to persevere through challenging work, Ismail believes they would go into Grades 10 to 12 better prepared and eventually pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Eager to make an impact, she set her sights on teaching Grade Eight and Nine learners to help set the foundation early.
“I enjoy working with grades eight and nine to solidify the gap between primary and high school levels and have them develop the skills for when they progress.
“I believe this is where the difficulty stems from because if they progress and don’t have the foundation, that’s when they have challenges understanding the content in the higher grades,” Ismail said.
Maths problem
She is concerned that some provinces are phasing out maths because most learners choose maths literacy. This creates a challenge for South Africa because not enough engineers, accountants and actuarial scientists are being produced.
“I feel everyone should take maths. It is beneficial to develop logic, reasoning, deduction and having basics of working with and handling money and essential problem-solving skills.”
Born and bred in Mackenzie Park, the Benoni Muslim School alumnus initially pursued a BCom Law degree at the University of the Witwatersrand. She switched to teaching and her passion for maths saw her collect numerous awards in her faculty.
“My passion started when I had to learn maths on my own after my educator passed away. I had to fend for myself and dig more into the subject. I am grateful to be honoured and acknowledged.”
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