Pelican Park High's teachers honoured at National Teaching Awards ceremony

Hard work paid off for three teachers from Pelican Park High School, who were honoured with National Teaching Awards at a ceremony held at Zwaanswyk Academy in Retreat on Friday, June 20.

The National Teaching Awards (NTA) Scheme was conceptualised and launched in 2000. According to the Western Cape Education Department website, the NTA scheme is one of the ways in which the Department of Basic Education (DBE) acknowledges the extraordinary efforts made by excellent teachers, often in very difficult conditions.

Such teachers provide for better futures for pupils, because the lack of quality education is a major factor behind many social, political, economic, and health challenges faced by the world today, as well as contribute to poverty, prejudice, and conflict.

Mushfiqa Simon received the award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching. She said: “I felt validation that my teaching methods are working and a sense of accomplishment that my hard work has paid off.”

Ms Simon has been teaching at Pelican Park High since 2019.

“My motto in life is ‘keep trying, keep growing’. The lesson I would want children to grasp is that they should never stop learning; learn something every day. That is how you keep trying and keep growing.”

Rodney Prince, who received the award for Excellence in Secondary School Leadership, said he had been at Pelican Park High School since 2015, after being relocated from the Eastern Cape.

“It was a very unexpected and humbling experience to receive the award. As educators, we always showcase the achievements of our learners and inspire others to be the best they can be. So when you are on the receiving end of this, it’s very humbling, but it also validates everything we do as educators.”

Mr Prince said his motto in life is: “Be the change you want to see - inspire positive transformation through leadership.”

When asked what the key to being a successful leader is, he said: “to demonstrate the behaviour and values you expect from others.”

Abubaker Gabriels, who received the award for Excellence in Teaching Physical Sciences, said: “It was a very rewarding feeling knowing that your efforts were recognised.”

His motto in life is, “to treat people the way you want to be treated. If I can translate that into teaching: I want learners to know that I will give my all to them as an educator and in turn, they give their all to their academics.”

He advises the learners: "I always teach my learners that people will never remember your looks, your clothes, or your possessions; they remember how you make them feel.”

Shariefa Clark, acting principal of Pelican Park High, said the winning teachers were “very hardworking and dedicated, and they will always go the extra mile for the school and the community.”