Local teacher makes the top 10

One does not have to spend too much time with Discovery resident and English teacher Cecilia Hartzenberg to realise just how deep the dedication to her chosen profession runs.

Cecilia has recently been selected as a top 10 finalist in the Solidariteit Teacher of the Year competition, and less than a minute into conversation with this highly passionate Grade 9 and 10 teacher at La Salle College in Discovery, it becomes apparent why.

“I’m in it for the kids,” she says with a huge smile, adding that her brothers were the initial inspiration behind her choosing teaching as a profession.

“We were three kids and as a single mother, our mom often worked long hours to care for us. Both my brothers had learning disabilities and I had to watch as they were failed by the system. I spent hours helping them with their schoolwork and I had to come up with creative ways to teach, like using Smarties to teach them colours and macaroni to teach them math.

“That moment of enlightenment when you see the wonder in their eyes as soon as they ‘get’ something I’ve been trying to teach them, has stayed with me all this time. That moment for me is one of the reasons I’ll never get tired of being a teacher.”

The Solidariteit Teacher of the Year competition is held annually, and anyone can nominate an exceptional teacher who is warm, passionate, and enthusiastic and is always willing to walk the extra mile for learners.

“I have no idea who nominated me,” says Cecilia. “But in March or April this year, I was informed that I was nominated. At the time I did not pay much attention to it, but then in August, they informed me that I had gotten through to the top 10.

“I have until 13 September to make a video introducing myself to the judges and get people to vote for me. I’m not sure when the winners will be announced. I don’t even know what the prizes are, but it is a huge honour to be recognised for the work I do.”

Cecilia’s passion to teach and help does not end at the school gate. She also aims to make a real difference in her community. As part of her annual charitable drive this year, she managed to collect and donate 47 Jars of Hope – nutritious and balanced, affordable meals contained in a jar, to Ons Plek in Horison.

Seeing the need for children in the school to read more, she also started a library.

“I started with a small budget from the school and some donations, and today we have hundreds of books in the library that I operate from my classroom. I must admit I was pleasantly surprised when I saw how popular the library became among learners. I spend every break time here helping learners choose books, and I love it.”

To vote for Cecilia, you can visit Solidariteit’s Facebook and Instagram pages.