GRADE 6 Gamtoos Valley Primary School teacher Gerhard Grundling\u2019s journey to become a teacher, is now a beacon of hope and inspiration to learners who want to follow their dream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grundling is one of seven local school reading-assistants who took up the opportunity to study teaching with the assistance of the Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm\u2019s education bursary programme, put in place specifically for these reading assistants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bursaries are education focused, designed to foster an interest in the teaching occupation while addressing the national shortage of quality educational practitioners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having developed a passion for teaching while working with children at the horse-ri-ding school, Grundling began studying towards a teaching diploma at a local university after matriculating, but had to transfer to distance learning due to financial constraint. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAfter moving back home and starting my UNISA studies, I became a reading-assistant which gave me an opportunity to learn so much about teaching, in a practical way, while earning some extra money to go towards my studies.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even with this income, finances were very short, but it never deterred him. \u201cBecoming a teacher was my absolute dream and I knew that I would do whatever it took to finish my qualification. When I heard that I would receive a bursary to complete my studies, it was such a huge relief for me and I was beyond excited.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After five years of studying, Grundling is now a Grade 6 teacher at Gamtoos Vallei Primary School. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He gets to teach some of the children that he used to help as a reading-assistant when they were in the foundation phase. This has been a great advantage for him to better understand each child and address specific learning challenges head-on. He is also aware that these learners, who come from diverse backgrounds and home environments are best approached with kindness and tolerance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know their backgrounds and their struggles, which has helped me to adapt my approach so that they can continue to grow and learn better,\u201d says Grundling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI also know that for some children, I am the only person who compliments or encourages them, so I make an extra effort to offer support and enrich their lives. This makes a big difference personally and their school work improves along with their confidence \u2013 this is a wonderful feeling.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grundling supports the belief that an emotionally safe and supporting learning environment makes children feel valued, respec-ted, and connected to and engaged in learning. He sees this role as more than just a teacher. He works at making school a safe place for each of his learners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI truly do my best to make the classroom a safe haven for each child, no matter what their background or what they face. I believe that every child needs to feel acknowledged in a classroom in order to learn and reach his or her full potential,\u201d says Gerhard. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
GRADE 6 Gamtoos Valley Primary School teacher Gerhard Grundling\u2019s journey to become a teacher, is now a beacon of hope and inspiration to learners who want to follow their 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