‘Pens down’ for locally renowned teacher
The Akiva College, uMhlanga teacher who is currently enjoying his last few weeks in the profession said he can't believe he has actually resigned.
AFTER five decades of stimulating young minds, local teacher Duncan Rankin is ready to put the chalk down. Born and bred in Bergville, in the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal, just outside Pietermaritzburg, the Akiva College, uMhlanga teacher who is currently enjoying his last few weeks in the profession said he can’t believe he has actually resigned.
“I have been a teacher all my life. I have always wanted to be a teacher. So after completing my Matric I decided to follow my grandfather’s footsteps,” he said.
In 1969 Rankin began his career not far from his then home at Newcastle Senior Primary School. Due to hard work and dedication to the job, just after four years he moved to greener pastures and was appointed as Hutten Park’s senior assistant in 1974. Two years later, Rankin left the intermediate phase of teaching, joining Ferrum High School where he taught Grades 8 to 11.
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“Teaching has always been my calling. The most fulfilling thing about this career is when I see former learners all grown up and doing well for themselves. Even though I may not remember some of their faces but having them remember me means I made a positive impact in their lives,” he said.
Before moving to Durban North’s Northlands Primary School, he was appointed in various senior positions including the deputy principal seat at Penzance Primary in Glenwood.
“I was appointed as Northlands Primary School principal in 1985 with a roll of 289 learners. Because of the warm welcome from the community, I spent just over 12 years at the school. It was the longest I’ve ever stayed at a school,” he said.
Like all good things Rankin’s career has had a few downs. He said one of them was when Northlands Primary moved from its old location to its current location on Gleneagles Drive. In 1997 at the age 49, he took his first attempt at leaving the profession. But the teaching bug had not left Rankin as just months after retiring he was back in the game.
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For most of his learners he was not just a teacher. Rankin also took part in various extra mural activities.
In the 50 teaching, he spent 43 of them coaching cricket, rugby and athletics.
Seven years ago Rankin officially joined his current home Akiva College where he taught Grades 6 and 7.
The College’s principal Lynn Ducase said,”It’s been wonderful working with a man with such integrity and work ethic but also comes with wisdom. He’s been a rock for the school as he came with a lot of experience. We are grateful that he spent the last years of his career with us here at Akiva College.”
Rankin said his resignation means he can finally spend more time with his wife, three daughters and four grandchildren.
He said he is also looking forward to more fishing.
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