My name is Kerushini Liddle and I am a Grade 7 teacher and Grade Head at Ferndale Primary School. I teach Mathematics, English, Natural Science and Economics and Management Science.
- What is the most inspiring experience that you’ve had as a teacher?
I don’t think that I can single out the most inspiring experience as a teacher, purely because there are regular moments of inspiration. There are the moments that inspire you like when a child’s face lights up when they finally grasp a concept, the sincerity in a child’s “thank you Miss”, the gratitude in their eyes when you say that you understand what they are going through and the acceptance they feel when they enter your classroom. I draw inspiration from the fact that I may not reach all of my children all of the time, but I know that I can make a difference to at least one child.
- What’s your secret superpower?
If I had a secret superpower it would definitely be the power to have multiple hands to do multiple tasks, as there never seems to be enough hours in a day. I do think that I have the superpower of counselling. Children come to school with so much on their minds. They need someone that they can trust, someone who listens and understands, someone who accepts them as they are. I feel like I am that someone to them. “Not all Superheroes wear capes, some teach”.
- What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened in the classroom?
Many funny things happen in a classroom. Some things that have stuck are the funny things that children have said to me, like: “You’re not a monster like some of the children have said you are, you’re just loud.” “I can’t wear my glasses now because it’s Maths. The doctor said that it’s just for reading.” Among the funniest, is the desperate dance (just to convince you), right before the child asks you if they can leave the classroom to use the toilet.
- What do you love most about being a teacher?
What I love most about being a teacher is the fact that I get to play many roles to the children. I teach, motivate, care and listen as I do to my own two children. I measure my success not by the car I drive or the clothes I wear but by the quiet child in my class that beamed with confidence for opening up for the first time. Being a teacher doesn’t come in a book, it comes from the heart and it’s a passion. You know, I have found that the children who need the most love, are the children who ask for it in the most unloving of ways.
- What did you want to be when you were little?
When I was younger I wanted to become a news reader. I love reading and as a child I read quite expressively. I also enjoyed dancing and entertaining my family with dramatic shows. I secretly aspired to be an actress. In a way you could say that as a teacher I get to fulfil all my dream jobs.
- Who was your favourite female teacher when you were at school, and why?
My favourite teacher is Mrs Pat Rohland. She taught me in grade 7. Mrs Rohland sparked a fire inside me that has burned brightly ever since. Mrs Rohland taught passionately, loved fiercely, cared sincerely and each of her learners remember her fondly for guiding them holistically.
- During this pandemic, what advice would you give to your learners and other educators?
During these uncertain times that we are currently experiencing, I advise learners to take the changes seriously to ensure they protect themselves and those around them. Get the most out of your learning opportunity in whatever form that might be. To my fellow educators, we will get through this together, even when we are apart. Your well-being is important.
