BAY Primary School educator Joan Naicken has once again earned her spot in the Department of Basic Education National Teacher Awards.
Scooping first place in the provincial round, Naicken will represent KZN at the national round of the awards in January when she goes up against finalists from the eight provinces.
In 2015 she attained second position in the provincial round in the ‘Excellence in Primary School Teaching’ category.
Last week, KZN Department of Education officials met with Naicken at Bay Primary School to prepare her ahead of her final interviews in January.
As a national finalist, Naicken says she wants to make her school and the district proud.
‘I have been teaching for 12 years and it has been such an honour to be nominated by my school for this award.
‘Starting out as a Media Centre Educator I continued to advance my qualifications, now I am a Grade 7 educator and completing my Masters studies, which focuses on learning with reading difficulties and barriers to learning.
‘In everything I do, I have put my trust in God and I cannot take credit for any of these achievements but to say that He has helped me attain it.
‘My teaching career began at Bay Primary and the principal V Moodley and my fellow teachers have contributed immensely to my growth.
‘Over the years, as a teacher we have focused on not only teaching but also on developing the learner holistically and including values, community involvement and real life experiences,’ she said.
Excitement
More excited than nervous, Naicken says she has received valuable input from the department officials and principal and is looking forward to the final lap of the competition.
In her spare time, the Grade 7 educator dedicates much time to charity and community work, volunteering with the Hope Foundation for Cancer, collecting blankets for winter warmth projects, the Orphans and Vulnerable Projects at school as well as serving in her church.
Over the December break, she is looking forward to spending quality time with her family and also preparing for next year.
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