Logan Naina (49) is co-principal of Dalpark Private School. The Dalpark Extension Six resident is married to Audelia (45). The couple, who have been married for 23 years, has two children – Kim, who is married and expecting her first baby, and Shanta. Logan has been teaching and moulding young minds for 27 years.
• What subjects or grade do you teach?
Currently I teach natural sciences in the senior phase, although most of my career was spent teaching mathematics.
I have taught other subjects, ranging from English, Afrikaans and biology to even physical education at high school level.
• For how long have you been teaching at Dalpark Private School?
Fourteen years.
• What or who inspired you to be a teacher?
My mother.
With limited resources she always tried to help others.
She inspired me to make a difference in the lives of others, hence my choice to join the noble profession.
• How would your pupils describe you?
Strict, but humorous and fair.
• When you were in school what subject provided the best learning experience for you?
Biology.
• What do you like most about teaching?
Being able to make a difference on the impressionable minds of our youth and being a mentor to the young teachers brave enough to join this profession.
• What are your duties as co-principal of the school?
I am in charge of the academic programme, discipline, fund-raising and the public relations portfolio of the school.
• Is there any advice you would give to a person who is starting out in your chosen career?
Be a life-long learner, read as much as possible, stay in touch with current affairs and have a good general knowledge.
Also remember that not everything has to be serious, take time out to play, relax and laugh.
• What do you see on the horizon for your line of work?
We are in the process of developing our school into a centre of educational excellence, catering for learners with different abilities and interests.
This is a challenge that will take us a few years to develop.
There are also many exciting innovations happening in the teaching profession; the challenge is finding what is right for each individual school and its vision and mission.
• Do you have any hobbies or special interests?
I enjoy spending quality time with my family, I am an amateur photographer, I love reading, watching sport, cooking and braaing… and Castle Lager, of course.
• What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Don’t always look for shortcuts or the easy way out – hard work is the only guarantee of getting the rewards you deserve.
• Who or what inspires you?
Advocate Thuli Madonsela.
In this political climate, where dishonesty has become a norm, she is a beacon of hope for our country.
• If you could witness any event of the past, present, or future, what would it be?
I would love to watch a live Manchester United game at Old Trafford.
• To what do you feel you have bragging rights?
Running one of the most successful mini-cricket regions (Brakpan) under the banner of Easterns cricket and getting the Cricket South Africa award for the best student nationwide when I did my Sports Management Diploma in 2006.