Star teacher

What are the subjects you teach?

I teach English primary language, grades ten to twelve.

When did you first realise that you wanted to be a part of the teaching profession?

I actually only really realised that I wanted to be a teacher after I started to teach. I always had a passion for literature, and after completing my master’s degree in English, I applied for a position at the Windhoek Afrikaans Private School (WAP). I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I do, and it was a few years after starting to teach that I realised that there’s a reason I became a teacher.

What do you find most satisfying about your profession?

My subject is quite a nuanced subject, and only a few learners choose to take my subject. This enables me to really get to know them individually and share my love for the arts on a personal level, which is the most satisfying aspect of teaching.

What do you hope to instil in the lives of the learners that you teach?

I hope to show them the true value of art and to open their minds to expand beyond what they know, so that they become more aware of the complexity of what makes us human and, in so doing, gain a deeper understanding of life.

What do you get up to outside of WAP?

I have two passions that I pursue; one of which is writing poetry, which I post on Instagram under the username @ge_dink. I also developed a deep love and connection with photography, which I post on Instagram under @jfg_fineart_photography.

Describe yourself in just three words?

Creative, Complex, Chaotic.

What do you hope to achieve in your career as a teacher?

I hope to develop a love and renewed interest in languages amongst learners and inspire them to be more creative and think outside of the box and to not be afraid to take chances when pursuing their dreams.

What would you have become if not a teacher?

I studied and had a keen interest in psychology as well, so that was one of the careers that I wanted to pursue. I have also always had a love for academics and would have been interested in teaching at university and furthering my research and studies in literature.

What advice do you have for all teachers?

The best advice I can give to teachers is that if you respect and value your learners and show them that you truly see and accept them for who they are, they will respect and value you too.

What are the achievements that make you proud as a teacher?

Nothing makes me more proud than seeing learners follow their dreams and push themselves beyond what they at first thought they could achieve. It’s always satisfying to see them excel after school.