Bet Shalom’s Angelique takes developing young minds seriously

POLOKWANE- “It’s really satisfying to see children progress both academically and non-academically as well-rounded people and future citizens.”

This is according to Bet-Shalom Christian School teacher, Angelique Kennedy, who started teaching in 2015.

She says she pursued teaching as a career to make a difference in children’s lives.

“I take the task of developing young people into kind, thoughtful and contributing adults very seriously. I’ve always been grateful to my teachers and the education system for making me the person that I am today.

“Now I’m the one given this opportunity to pass it onto my learners and I only hope that I will have the same kind of positive impact on the minds and hearts of my learners.”

Kennedy teaches Gr 6 English and Bible subjects, and assists as the netball coach and told Review that though she’s passionate about teaching, it can sometimes be a challenging endeavour.

“Maintaining discipline can at times be challenging. As teachers we encounter some difficult learners who fail due to their attitude or approach to learning, and to overcome those challenges you have to effectively deal with them by using constructive techniques such as being fair and faithful to your promises. In the process we alert the parents as well so that they are aware of their children’s behaviour and progress.”

Her advice to aspiring teachers, is that the small intangible rewards are some of the best parts of teaching. “Teaching is so much fun and can act as therapy too.

“The things that learners say in class, even when they don’t realise they’re funny, their bizarre behaviour, the insightful questions they ask and the amusing stories they write and tell me, make the job even more enjoyable.

“You’ll cherish memories you make and keepsakes you collect for years.”