Popular Pinetown Boys’ art teacher retires
Julia Roberts who has taught at Pinetown Boys' for 41 years said teaching has given her so much satisfaction and joy.
PINETOWN Boys’ High School beloved educator, Julia Roberts, joined the teaching industry because she wanted to go to university.
Roberts did not have the money to study and received a teaching loan but little did she know that teaching was her calling and she has done it with love and pride for the past 41 years.
“Teaching covers so many life aspects. I thought I was going to teach for five years then go and study something else.”
The art teacher said she wanted to study arts, architecture or psychology, “but I have managed to follow my passions here at the school and more. Being a teacher ended up being everything that I wanted, ” she said.
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“In 2007, I started teaching Design as it is more relevant and entrepreneurial. If you have these skills you can start your own business straight after matric.”
The mother of two boys who she has taught at the school, said she has thoroughly enjoyed her job. I have been given freedom to teach using my methods.
“I enjoyed teaching boys, they might be naughty, but they always delivered and came to the party when needed. They have been good to me and I have connected with them over the years.”
Roberts has taken up management position at the school but said she enjoyed being in the classroom the most with the constant need to think out of the box. “Teaching has given me so much satisfaction and joy.”
When the schools reopen next year, Roberts said she will heading to the UK. “When I return I will volunteer at the Pinetown Hospice Shop, work on my own art, declutter my house and do all the things I did not have time to do,” said Roberts with a smile.
Asked about her advice to young teachers, Roberts said, “If you are going to do it, do it properly. Teaching is not just a 7am to 3pm job but it becomes your life if you do it properly.”
She added that she will miss teaching the boys and the staff who worked together to keep the ship afloat even during challenging times.
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