Layla Orrie from Saldanha has come a long way in working alongside children.
She has taught English First Additional Language at Weston High School for 12 years. Before this she had her own playgroup for children that she ran from home.
According to Orrie becoming a teacher was her calling. “Managing hormonal teenagers is fun and challenging at the same time,” she says. “I think as an educator today one has to be confident in oneself with the knowledge one has, be flexible and tenacious.”
Orrie describes teaching as a thankless job only for the truly dedicated. Not only does she stand in front of a classroom full of teenagers, but her job also entails her to do a lot of admin, counselling, parenting and bending to the whims of the department, she says with a laugh.
She completed a four year Diploma in Education and went on to complete her honours. She hopes to keep on studying and complete her masters within the next few years.
When asked about the qualities she thinks learners want in a teacher, Orrie says she would like to think a kind heart and good personality count. “Most kids look for empathy and stability irrespective of what goes on around them. That’s what we teachers offer them.”
Orrie adds that Covid-19 has placed teachers in a precarious position. “At Weston High School we serve learners from various backgrounds, some of our kids don’t have food at home let alone internet connectivity,” she said.
The challenge has been providing the best educational support in these times.
“We don’t see our learners so we cannot provide the emotional support they need and a lot of teachers are burnt out just trying to provide the best in every way for our learners.”
She encourages the learners to never stop trying.
“We are here for you. Try and try again, ask and ask again. No teacher will turn a child away who shows that they are trying.”
Orrie adds that there is no bigger acknowledgment or reward than seeing her learners become successful. “There is no profession more noble than teaching. As a Christian you must also remember Jesus was a very good teacher.”
