VANDERBIJLPARK – Her commitment for teaching, especially mathematics have yielded positive results for Oliver Lodge’s numbers teacher.
Madeleine Pretorius, who is the departmental head for Mathematics at the school, won big at the Na-tional Teaching Awards for Gauteng recently.
She scooped second place for Excellence in teaching Mathematic – GET at the provincial level.
Detailing her story of how she ended up as a teacher, despite always wanting to study medicine, Preto-rius said God placed her in the field she loves.
Ster South paid a visit to the dedicated educator for an interview on her endeavours.
Speaking from the principal’s office where dozens of trophies filled the cabinet, Pretorius shared her nine year career story.
“I graduated in 2014 and started working at Emfuleni Primary School in Bophelong where I taught mathematics even though it wasn’t my major. I’ve worked there for four years and later joined Oliver Lodge Primary School.”
Pretorius says it took introspection for her to master her craft and understand every aspect entailed in her beat.
“I’ve gained a lot of knowledge and skills. I’ve made it my duty to learn the subject, how to teach it, and how to equip learners mathematically,” she further explained.
According to Pretorius she is grateful for her awards, and dedicated it to her love to seeing her pupils passing the subject.
“Seeing the children excel in class and have a happy learning environment means there is something we are doing right. The award shows that we are appreciated for the work we do and I am happy to have been selected for the award,” she said.
Principal at the school, Francina Simon said: “The award means a lot for our school because it proves that we work hard and are blessed with educators who go the extra mile to showcase their talent. Mad-eleine has put us on the map and this shows that there is something we are doing right. She is a hard worker. We are excited to celebrate with her.”
