After almost three fulfilling decades in the teaching profession, Mobeni Heights resident D’Ann Naidoo is preparing to retire this June.
Her 29-year journey has been defined by compassion, dedication and an unwavering commitment to shaping young minds.
Now 65, Naidoo currently teaches at Thamela Primary School in Umlazi, where she has served for the past 14 years. Her career began at Merry Time Pre-Primary in Montford, Chatsworth, where she spent 15 years nurturing the foundations of early childhood education. Together, these years form a tapestry of service to education and community.
Her decision to enter the profession was deeply personal.
She said: “My teaching journey began when my own children were in school. Watching them grow and learn reignited a dream I had always carried in my heart. That’s when I knew I had to follow my true calling—to nurture, guide, and educate young children.”
For Naidoo, teaching was never just a job—it was a calling.
“I’ve always found joy in helping children develop and grow. Even within the community and church, children naturally gravitated toward me. They trusted me, confided in me, and listened to my advice. That connection made it clear that teaching was the path I was meant to walk,” she said.
She currently teaches Mathematics and English, equipping pupils with the skills they need for a world driven by innovation and excellence. But for her, the greatest reward came not just from teaching content—but from connecting with children, particularly those facing hardship.
“One of the most fulfilling aspects of my career has been working with disadvantaged children. Many of my pupils come from underprivileged backgrounds. Being able to offer them encouragement, love, and a quality education has been deeply rewarding. Watching them thrive despite their challenges reminded me why I chose this profession,” she said.
Naidoo admits that teaching in under-resourced schools has not been without its difficulties.
“Poverty, a lack of resources, and socio-economic challenges were daily realities for many pupils. Often, I found myself being more than just a teacher—I became a counsellor, a motivator, and a caregiver. These experiences shaped me into a more compassionate and resilient teacher,” she shared.
Throughout her career, Naidoo has witnessed major shifts in the education landscape.
She said: “We’ve seen a transition from traditional rote learning to technology-based classrooms and pupil-centred approaches. Today, it’s about teaching critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and adaptability—skills that are essential in the modern world.”
Her passion for education lives on in her family. She is the proud mother of three daughters—two of whom have followed in her footsteps as teachers, while the third has become an attorney, a testament to the values she holds dear: dedication, empathy and excellence.
As she prepares for retirement, Naidoo looks forward to spending more time with her husband and travelling abroad.
She said: “I’m excited for this next chapter of my life. I want to explore new places, experience different cultures, and enjoy a slower pace of living.”
To those considering a career in education, her advice is simple but heartfelt: “Teaching is a calling of the heart. You must have patience, passion, and perseverance. If you choose this path, do it for the love of shaping minds and changing lives. Your impact extends far beyond the classroom walls—you are building the future.”
