Teaching, considered the mother of all occupations, receives its due recognition this October through those who have taken it upon themselves to shape impressionable minds and develop future leaders. Pursuance to honouring teachers, the Free State Department of Education awarded 54 teachers with the prestigious National Teaching Awards (NTA) and an incentive at an occasion held in Bloemfontein on Friday, 14 October.
Candidates received recognition for their continued work to shaping the character and future of individuals, as well as upholding the standards of the profession. This recognition conforms with this month being dedicated to commemorating teachers, which was traditionally celebrated on World Teachers Day on 5 October. The theme for this year is “The transformation of education begins with teachers.”
Each of the 54 provincial finalists in the 13 categories walked home with R10 000. Category winners also received additional prizes that included laptops, televisions, smart phones, and external hard drives. Of these finalists, 13 category winners qualified to compete for the NTA national title. The national winners will be unveiled on Thursday. This is the 22nd edition of the NTA, which celebrates excellence in the teaching profession.
The categories and respective winners are:
•Excellence in Grade R Teaching: Goitsemang Lichaba (Rutanang Primary School, Bloemfontein)
•Excellence in Primary School Teaching: Mamasole Mathe (Mabolela Primary School, Bloemfontein)
•Excellence in Secondary School Teaching: Moeketsi Molale (Kaelang Secondary School, Bloemfontein)
•Excellence in Primary School Leadership: Thabo Mautsoa (Pontsheng Primary School, Botshabelo)
•Excellence in Secondary School Leadership: James De Jager: Welkom Sekondêre Skool, Welkom)
•Excellence in Special Teaching: William Nicola. Tswellang Special School (Bloemfontein)
• Excellence in Special Needs Leadership: Lerata Khooa (Thiboloha Special School, Qwaqwa)
•Excellence in Teaching Mathematics – GET: Tshepo Rapolokoane (Toka Primary School, Bloemfontein)
• Excellence in Teaching Mathematics: FET Gugulethu Mudavanhu (Setjhaba Semaketse Combined School, Botshabelo)
•Excellence in Teaching Natural Science – GET: Luandre Nel (Fauna Primary School, Bloemfontein)
• Excellence in Teaching Physical Sciences – FET: Shobi Mabina (Thokoana Makaota Secondary School. Qwaqwa)
• Excellence in Technology Enhanced Teaching and Learning: Thabiso Tsotetsi (Ipatleng Primary School, Koppies)
• Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement: Seyanokeng Sejake (Thabang Primary School, Bethlehem)
