Esperanza teacher awarded for excellence

Laerskool Esperanza Grade R teacher René Bouttell was recently awarded for excellence in Grade R teaching at the provincial rounds of the National Teaching Awards. Coordinator of the Grade R programme at Laerskool Esperanza, Bouttell, never thought she would achieve such a highly coveted award.

Held at Gallagher estate on 16 January, the provincial rounds of the national teaching awards paid tribute to educators who have achieved so brilliantly in their respective fields of study.

The MEC of Education Panyaza Lesufi was present at the event to hand over the awards.

Head of the Department of Education Boy Ngobeni was also present at the proceedings.

Bouttell said she was in a state of complete shock and excitement when she heard that she had been chosen.

“I’m still in a state of shock. I didn’t think it would be me,” she said

Bouttell went on to explain that the awards selection process was a very sophisticated one.

“We had a number of intense interviews and rounds to qualify through. Finally there was a panel of 12 people who interviewed me. They were asking me questions and opinions about situations and scenarios. I only had a certain amount of time (30 minutes) to answer all the questions they asked. If I didn’t answer all the questions in the time given, then I would forfeit all my points.”

Boutell confidently said she tried her very best to answer all the questions accordingly.

Principal at Laerskool Esperanza Martin Bensch expressed his pride at Bouttell’s momentous achievement.

“We are very proud of Mrs Bouttell. Her achievement means a lot to our school as a whole. It goes to show that teachers from unassuming places can deliver excellence in the way they teach,” said Bensch.

Bensch added that Bouttell’s achievement would go on to inspire other teachers in delivering the same level of professionalism in the classroom.

The national round of the teaching awards is set to take place at the end of February.