Beverley Hurst is the head of department for the Foundation Phase at Brenthurst Primary School. The 46-year-old lives in Benoni and has been a teacher at Brenthurst since the start of her career.
• For how long have you been teaching?
I am in my 25th year.
The years have been fun-filled and eventful.
It seems like yesterday when I started teaching.
• What subjects/grade do you teach?
I teach Grade Two.
I have taught from Grade One to Grade Four.
• What inspired you to be a teacher?
I have always wanted to be a teacher, to make a difference in children’s lives.
Every child has the right to succeed and be the best person he or she can be.
• How would your pupils describe you?
The lady with the ‘Fizzers’ (sweets).
Kind and caring, but firm.
• What do you like most about teaching?
I try to make each child feel special.
Interacting with the learners and being there for them.
The light bulb moment – when you see that the child has eventually understood what you have been teaching.
It is touching when past pupils come back and tell you things that you did for them.
Learning must be fun: playing games, baking, stories.
To never stop learning as an educator.
• What are your duties as head of department?
I am in charge of the Foundation Phase.
I monitor educators and their planning and assessments.
I encourage and motivate my staff.
I am there for my staff.
There is also admin and paperwork.
• Do you have any hobbies or special interests?
I love to travel, especially to London.
Reading – mystery stories.
Shopping.
• Who would play you in the film of your life? Why?
The late Audrey Hepburn or Princess Grace.
They were both inspirational ladies who had the common touch and tried to make the world a better place.
• What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Never give up!
Pick yourself up and start all over again.
• What’s your most cherished family tradition? Why is it important?
Family is very important to me.
Doing activities together.
• If you had the power to solve one and only one problem in the world, what would it be and why?
Bring peace to the world.
If peace could be achieved, half of the world’s problems would be solved.
• If you could only keep five possessions, what would they be?
My shower. My bed. Photos of my family. My laptop with Internet access.
• If you could witness any event of the past, present, or future, what would it be?
World peace.
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