Teaching can be incredibly demanding, both mentally and emotionally, and teachers often have to put in a lot of extra hours after school and on weekends to prepare lessons and mark papers. Simitha Thulsie Prithvraj, who is in her 16th year of qualified teaching and is currently at Lennoxton Primary School, recently had a chat with Tabloid Newspapers to discuss life in this profession.
Tabloid Newspapers (TN): As a teacher, what is a typical day in your life like?
Simitha Thulsie Prithvraj (STP): You are going to be sorry for asking me this one! It’s very early mornings, yet I somehow still run out of time! Every day is different in the life of a teacher. Yesterday’s classroom challenges or successes aren’t necessarily what today will be like. Teaching means wearing many hats, it starts off at 07:15am, usually on gate or playground duty. The bell rings at 07:35am, when I teach. It’s a great deal of administration tasks every morning before you can get into the actual teaching of the stipulated curriculum. By lunch break, I have achieved numerous tasks, such as: Taken registration, deal with someone from the newspaper with school publishing-related queries (like you), moderating exams and tests, parent meetings (telephonic or face-to-face) and playing referee (both inside and outside the classroom). Teachers type and print loads of stuff, then go to retrieve this printing – it feels like crossing a border to get to it. You laminate documents, art and charts. You hang it up. You reply to letters from parents, you mark books and projects. You sneak in a cup of coffee for sanity reasons, you attend to payments, school events and planning of such events. Then you reach the part of the day when you start doing stuff mentally, like ‘mentally typing’ up your work. Drink water, text and email people back, socialise with the staff so they don’t think you’re insane. Attend staff meetings. Find some time to eat something or take your lunch back home. Oh wait, delivering the actual teaching content. This year, I teach six classes; 24 hours of teaching a week. The job is equally demanding as it is rewarding. It’s the ‘aha’ light-bulb moments experienced by the children when they understand what you’ve taught, that keeps you going! That and the coffee! Believe you me, we earn those holidays!
TN: What was life like growing up?
STP: I grew up in Ladysmith, KZN. My maternal and paternal families are here, so I was ‘raised in a village’. Both of my grandparents’ homes were on the same street, five doors apart! It was all-round bliss! My parents’ home was on this street too. I attended local Ladysmith schools and left home to study at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban after matric. I graduated with an honours degree in Inclusive Education and wanted to be a teacher for two reasons: It was my mom’s unfinished dream, so I sought inspiration from my mom and two, because I wanted to be that teacher who makes a real difference, the approachable, dependable kind – someone who young people look for!
TN: In your opinion, do you see any differences in curriculum between public and private schooling?
STP: Yes! Private schools often have more flexibility and autonomy in designing their curriculum. They may have the freedom to implement specialised programmes, offer unique courses and adapt quickly to changing educational trends. Public schools on the other hand often have to adhere to national curriculum standards, which are more rigid and hampers teachers from any deviation from this prescribed curriculum. Every education fraternity has its challenges but the private schools have greater facilities to offer in comparison to public schools. The economic status of the school makes a difference in what they have to offer that lends itself to better curriculum deliverance. A concept is a concept, however, it is nicer to teach and get across to children via a smaller, individualised audience, where you can include greater group activities. Not all children are academically inclined, private schooling caters for this, with greater sporting and cultural divisions, where children can explore other opportunities outside of the classroom.
TN: What is inclusive learning?
STP: Inclusive education must be fair and just, and be attainable and doable by all learners in a classroom setting, despite their fluctuating cognitive (learning) levels. It is a philosophy that promotes the full participation of all learners within regular educational settings. Teachers are required to adapt the curriculum to be able to cater for the scholastic needs of all their learners.
TN: How important is it for a teacher to realise that not all learners will excel at academics?
STP: Immensely important! Children are all different, as they say, all five fingers aren’t the same. It’s important for teachers and parents to understand that school and academia will always be a seesaw and this does not mean that the children at the bottom of the seesaw are any less worthy. Underachieving children may have other talents outside of traditional academics. These children could easily excel as artists and in numerous other trades. The greatest gift we can give these different learners is the freedom and permission to be who they are and to encourage them to follow their passions. Albert Einstein was labelled as an ‘underachiever’ as a youth. His alternative vision of the world is one that has earned him an indelible place in history. Should we have any less faith in our own kids?
TN: Do you think that too much pressure is put on learners to excel academically and be the perfect student?
STP: No, not enough! Not in this day and age. The parenting focus has shifted from long ago to now. Parents are more aware of psychological disturbances and mental health conditions that could arise from placing immense pressure on children. Children’s rights have also been highlighted. These factors have given rise to mollycoddled youth, who do not always see the benefit of excelling at school.
TN: What characteristics do you think a learner would want their teacher to possess?
STP: Learners often appreciate teachers who possess a combination of qualities that contribute to a positive and effective learning environment. Here are some characteristics that learners might value in their teachers: We need to be more approachable, adaptable and understanding. We should display greater creative skills and emulate our zeal for education.
Teachers should also be good at spelling!
TN: What role does discipline play in teaching and what is your approach?
STP: Discipline plays a crucial role in teaching as it helps maintain a positive and orderly learning environment, ensures the safety of learners and fosters a conducive atmosphere for effective learning. Discipline is not solely about enforcing rules and consequences; it also involves instilling a sense of responsibility, self-control and respect among learners. I am fair but firm in my classes.
TN: What do you believe is the role of technology in the classroom?
STP: It has become an integral part of teaching and learning. It is an effective tool, if used correctly, and can enhance teaching and learning. It’s also proved to be effective in capturing the interest of today’s tech-savvy generation.
TN: How would your past peers and learners describe you?
STP: I once listened to a speech about myself and the speaker mentioned that I was ‘the most requested teacher, year after year’. However, not all children learn the same way, so although you may be liked by some learners and peers, you can’t be everyone’s cuppa tea!
TN: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
STP: I thrive on spending weekends with my husband and my two children. We love nature and spend a great deal of time together, doing outdoor activities even if it’s just a walk or a simple picnic.
TN: Any advice for learners?
STP: So much, but I will share five tips. Stay positive and embrace a growth mindset. Explore your interests, even as they change. Seek help when needed. Speak your mind without hurting people and admit when you are wrong or have made a mistake!
TN: Favourite food and drink?
STP: I love cooking (I dislike doing the dishes) and my go-to, all-time favourite dish is lamb breyani with mayonnaise and a green salad. I’m a Coca-Cola nerd! It’s my weakness!
TN: Favourite book or series?
STP: The bookshelf in our home is larger than the television set. Even though I try to balance both. I have many favourites, Harry Potter tops my list, followed by Game of Thrones. I love romance movies and Nicholas Sparks books / movies are my all time best for a reread / rewatch!
TN: Who do you most admire and why?
STP: This is such an easy question. My parents, of course! My parents have been the greatest inspirational pillar in my life for as long as I can remember. They have afforded me so much in life, but above all, they have entrusted me with a pair of daring wings to fly as high as I possibly can! I am who I am because of my parents!
