I am Zakeeyah Limbada from Impala Crescent Primary School and I teach Grade 7 English.
- What is the most inspiring experience that you’ve had as a teacher?
There are regular moments of inspiration when you’re a teacher. The moments in class when we are discussing an interesting topic, innovative ideas and inventions or controversial issues that ignite debate, are always inspiring because children are so honest in their reactions to life. Their curiosity is inspiring and when you see how they have developed, whether academically or emotionally over time, it gives you a sense of purpose and pride knowing you have played a part in that journey.
- What’s your secret superpower?
I am very perceptive of people, and in a classroom setting I always take note of everyone. Everyone’s voice will be heard in the time I have with each class for that day and that means you have to participate. I feel empathy for children who sit in class withdrawn and ‘absent’ in spirit for whatever reason and find a way to include their voices and encourage participation. I think I have the ability to make a child comfortable enough to participate without fear.
- What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened in the classroom?
It is very difficult to pick out the funniest thing that has happened. Humour is an important part of making work interesting especially for children. We have regular funny moments in class. You need to be a bit of an entertainer to capture their attention and we always have laughs in class whether I am making a joke, a learner has a funny story or we laugh at each other in good spirit. I have far less inhibitions in my classroom then in other aspects of my life.
- What do you love most about being a teacher?
I love being able to break ideas or topics down to its simplest form and then gradually building onto them as a learner’s understanding grows. It’s like you can actually see the moment when a child has understood what you have taught or the ideas that are being presented. It is a very rewarding experience when they express their views or comprehension to you. Teaching also keeps you young. You are always kept abreast of new trends when you work with young people.
- What did you want to be when you were little?
I was a keen reader as a child and aspired to be a journalist as stories/narratives excite me. As an English teacher having taught grades 7 to 12, stories are still a key aspect in the work I do, and I appreciate that.
- Who was your favourite female teacher when you were at school, and why?
My grade 10 to 12 English teacher, Sharon Samuel was one of the people who inspired me to become a teacher of English in particular. She encouraged us to embrace our identity through the texts we studied and was very progressive in her ideas about woman empowerment. I remember having thoughtful discussions and debates in her classes.
- During this pandemic, what advice would you give to your learners and other educators?
Having had my grade 7 learners back quite early in the phased return to school I’ve realised that my learners have many questions and they are looking to us as their teachers for answers. My advice to teachers is to keep up to date with information, news, new findings, and medical recommendations relating to this pandemic. It is a very crucial time and providing children with factual information, helping to discredit myths and destigmatising the contraction of the virus is essential. To both learners and teachers, I urge the strict adherence to safety regulations such as social distancing, wearing our face masks at all times, washing/sanitising our hands regularly and keeping regular and good hygiene practices in our workspaces. Lastly to not panic and keep positive while playing our part in getting through these uncertain times.
