POLOKWANE – “Being a teacher is definitely a challenge in many ways, but it is the most rewarding career.”
Shae-Sinise Fraser (23) relocated to Polokwane last year and recently started teaching at Bachelom Christian School. She graduated from Akademie Reformatoriese Opleiding en Studies (AROS) in Pretoria.
According to Shae, her career inspiration was to enrich children’s lives with knowledge and help them grow and develop into the adults they will one day become.
“Seeing how the foundation phase learners look inspired by me and having a hand in forming the learners is so special to me,” remarked Shae.
“My initial experience in the classroom has been quite positive. The learners are very eager to learn, and the environment is supportive and conducive to teaching. I’ve been able to establish a good rapport with the learners and have enjoyed the dynamic nature of classroom interactions. Overall, it’s been a rewarding experience and a journey of self-growth.”
She explained that the strategies she finds most effective are when learners engage while she is teaching. For example, learners get a chance to stand in front of the class and use resources to solve different equations in math with the help and guidance of their fellow classmates.
“They learn to get out of their comfort zone and engage practically in the lessons that are being taught.”
“To build relationships with my learners and establish a positive classroom environment, I always encourage them to communicate with me. I’m approachable and supportive, and I make time to learn about their interests, strengths, and challenges. I also encourage collaboration, giving them group activities and projects to promote teamwork and mutual respect.”
Shae highlighted that her long-term goal is to study occupational therapy.
She aims to work with younger learners and help them with their gross motor skills, build their muscle strength in general, and improve their cognitive skills.
“This will also help me grow as a teacher and be able to help learners one day in my class more hand-on-hand if they have learning barriers.”
She added that she plans to take different teaching courses, which will broaden her knowledge and help her in the long run in the classroom.
“I will read up on interesting ways to get the learners more engaged in the class activities and to make learning fun and creative for them. I will also participate in different extracurricular activities to broaden my experience and to learn new skills.”
“We teachers work from morning to night as we strive for growth and development, which comes with a lot of planning and execution to ensure that our learners will receive the best curriculum and taught in the best way possible. I’ve learnt that no mountain is too high to climb, to take it step by step and make adjustments along the way,” concluded Shae.
She serves as an inspiration to young teachers who are willing to follow in her footsteps.
