Honoring Western Cape Teachers at the National Teaching Awards

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Western Cape teachers have been celebrated for their excellence at the National Teaching Awards, with four provincial nominees securing top three spots in their categories. These educators were recognized for their commitment and expertise in teaching physical sciences, technology-enhanced teaching and learning, primary school teaching, and secondary school leadership. In addition, Dr. Mariette Wheeler of Protea Heights Academy in Brackenfell was selected as one of the top 50 finalists in the Global Teacher Prize. As part of Teacher Appreciation Month, the #ThankaTeacher campaign invites everyone to show their gratitude for the exceptional teachers in the Western Cape.

Western Cape Educators Shine at the National Level

Western Cape’s extraordinary teachers have once again demonstrated their prowess, as four provincial nominees secured top three spots at the National Teaching Awards. Held in Tshwane, the event took place on World Teachers’ Day, an appropriate time to celebrate the amazing work that educators in our public schools do daily and recognize their exceptional teaching methods.

The following exceptional individuals, representing the Western Cape, have made a name for themselves through their commitment and expertise:

  • Cyril Goldstone from Bloubergrant High School in Blouberg Rise, Cape Town, earned the first runner-up position for Excellence in Teaching Physical Sciences.

  • Shanley Amy Cyster from Rietenbosch Primary School in Cloetesville, Stellenbosch, secured the first runner-up position for Excellence in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning.

  • Dillon Henwood, hailing from Elnor Primary School in Elsies River, was awarded the second runner-up position for Excellence in Primary School Teaching (Grades 1–7).

  • Mzoliswa Michael Mavovana from Hector Petersen Secondary School in Wallacedene, Kraaifontein, clinched the second runner-up position for Excellence in Secondary School Leadership.

Our warmest congratulations go out to these remarkable educators for their achievements. There is no doubt that they will continue to scale even greater heights in their careers and contribute to shaping the future of education.

Dr. Mariette Wheeler Receives Global Teacher Prize Recognition

Besides the impressive showing at the National Teaching Awards, Western Cape education has another cause for celebration. Dr. Mariette Wheeler of Protea Heights Academy in Brackenfell has been selected as one of the top 50 finalists in the esteemed Global Teacher Prize.

Having won the Best Teacher award at the 2021 National Teaching Awards, Dr. Wheeler was nominated by the Department of Basic Education for this international competition. Her inclusion in the top 50 is a remarkable accomplishment, and we eagerly look forward to the final announcement later this year.

For more information about the Global Teacher Prize and Dr. Wheeler’s achievement, visit the following link:
https://globalteacherprize.org/news/global-teacher-prize-finalists/2023-finalists-global-teacher-prize/1150/1150-Mariette-Wheeler(link is external)

Showing Appreciation for Western Cape Educators through the #ThankaTeacher Campaign

With October being Teacher Appreciation Month, now is the perfect opportunity to convey our gratitude to the exceptional teachers of the Western Cape for their unwavering support, affection, and dedication to educating our children.

The #ThankaTeacher campaign invites everyone to get involved by posting messages of appreciation for a teacher on social media and using the hashtag to make it easy to find. This initiative allows teachers to see the tremendous value they bring to our community and the impact they have on our children’s lives.

To learn more about the #ThankaTeacher campaign, visit the following link:
https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/news/thankateacher-social-media-during-october

Let’s come together to thank a teacher today and show our educators that their hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication are not overlooked. Together, let’s honor the individuals who are shaping the future and inspiring the next generation.

1. What are the National Teaching Awards?

The National Teaching Awards is an event that recognizes outstanding educators in South Africa, celebrating their commitment and expertise in teaching.

2. Which Western Cape teachers were recognized at the National Teaching Awards?

Cyril Goldstone from Bloubergrant High School, Shanley Amy Cyster from Rietenbosch Primary School, Dillon Henwood from Elnor Primary School, and Mzoliswa Michael Mavovana from Hector Petersen Secondary School were recognized for their excellence in teaching physical sciences, technology-enhanced teaching and learning, primary school teaching, and secondary school leadership respectively.

3. Who was selected as a top 50 finalist in the Global Teacher Prize?

Dr. Mariette Wheeler of Protea Heights Academy in Brackenfell was selected as one of the top 50 finalists in the Global Teacher Prize.

4. What is the Global Teacher Prize?

The Global Teacher Prize is an international competition that recognizes exceptional teachers who have made an outstanding contribution to their profession.

5. Who nominated Dr. Mariette Wheeler for the Global Teacher Prize?

Dr. Mariette Wheeler was nominated by the Department of Basic Education for the Global Teacher Prize.

6. When will the final announcement for the Global Teacher Prize be made?

The final announcement for the Global Teacher Prize will be made later this year.

7. What is the #ThankaTeacher campaign?

The #ThankaTeacher campaign is an initiative that invites everyone to post messages of appreciation for a teacher on social media using the hashtag. It is part of Teacher Appreciation Month and aims to show gratitude for the exceptional teachers in the Western Cape.

8. How can I get involved in the #ThankaTeacher campaign?

You can get involved in the #ThankaTeacher campaign by posting a message of appreciation for a teacher on social media using the hashtag. This initiative allows teachers to see the tremendous value they bring to our community and the impact they have on our children’s lives.

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