A veteran Grade 1 teacher at Randfontein Christian Academy (RCA) said since choosing the profession back in 1976 she never looked back.
Today and with 45 years experience under her belt, Mariaan Schoeman, 68, said children are a big part of her life and she believes it is a privilege to be able to contribute to the development of a child.
I haven’t regretted it for a single moment. Children are and will always be a major part of my life,” the veteran said.
She added that every child’s foundation is laid in their Grade 1 year, and what children learn and grasp between the ages of five to seven is of outmost importance. Therefore, the teacher has to be skilled, adding this is because when children make a transition from Grade R to Grade 1 the intricate process has to be smooth so that the child is not left behind in their development.
“When they complete Grade R a seed is planted, and when they get into Grade 1, a proper foundation is laid and their confidence is constructed.”
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She advised that as a teacher, it is critical to have a lot of patience, and always be willing to take on any challenge at hand – always bearing in mind that teachers are taking learners through the first steps of learning, which is vital.
She added that a Grade 1 teacher must have a lot of good attributes, one of them being patience; have a love to work with children; and should never look at teaching as just another job.
You must have the desire to perform better each day, and constantly gain knowledge of how these little ones function. Always believe that no challenge is ever greater than you, and always be willing to overcome challenges,” Mariaan said.
She said when she finally retires, she wants to leave footprints in the hearts of all the learners she has taught all her life.
“I’d like them to remember me as a teacher who helped and supported them to see a bright future,” Mariaan said.
