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The Herald
18 hours ago
- General
- The Herald
From California to an Eastern Cape village — a volunteer's story
When C alifornia-born teacher Janet Wolfertz arrived in the small village of Viedgesville, she turned heads. 'At first, I think my presence in Viedgesville was understandably a bit of an anomaly. What is this strange old white lady doing walking the streets with her overloaded backpack and a massive tote bag full of toilet paper rolls? 'But it didn't take long for me to be welcomed wholeheartedly by the school staff, learners and the broader Viedgesville community. 'From the hugs from workers at the Wholesale and KwikSpar, to the honour of being asked to speak to the ikrwala (a young man who has just graduated from initiation school) at an ulwaluko (initiation) ceremony, to the squeals of learners rushing to help me carry my stuff to school in the mornings — I couldn't ask for a more powerful sense of warmth, love and acceptance.' Wolfertz, a Peace Corps volunteer and veteran teacher with a career spanning more than two decades, arrived at Viedgesville Primary School in April 2024 and spent a year teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). She left the school on April 29 this year. Speaking before her farewell, Wolfertz said she could hardly believe she had spent a year at the school. 'When I arrived in Viedgesville, I was excited for the opportunity [and the challenge] to collaborate with Xhosa teachers and learners and discover new, practical and engaging ways to teach science, technology, engineering, art and maths,' she said. 'Originally from California, I have a strong background in education, software development and stage and film production. 'I've always been passionate about travelling, experiencing other cultures and working with children to explore hands-on, creative learning.' Her work at Viedgesville Primary included creating and teaching lessons in STEM and arts, developing classroom materials using local and recycled items and co-planning with teachers. ' Whether we're creating cardboard looms for measurement, investigating circuits with foil and old Christmas lights, or building rockets out of used soda bottles, the focus is always on making learning meaningful and accessible. 'Students respond eagerly to activities that let them explore and create. 'Our projects are often improvised — using paper to simulate coding blocks, learners to represent robots, and recycled materials to design structures and experiments. 'The lessons may not look like they come from a well-equipped STEM lab, but the students' excitement and growth show me that the learning is impactful. 'Each day, I watched their confidence grow as they tackled challenges that stretched their thinking — often while my own understanding of the Eastern Cape curriculum was evolving alongside theirs,' Wolfertz said. She said her time at Viedgesville Primary was interesting and challenging. 'As I've delved deeper into my role, I've encountered challenges that required flexibility and a willingness to shift focus. 'Limited resources are ongoing, infrastructure issues constrain the feasibility of projects and occasional disconnects between the curriculum and learners' realities mean that not every idea works. 'For instance, the grade 7 technology curriculum is often out of sync with what's practical or relevant to the learners. So, the children and I often explored new concepts together, learning side by side.' Collaboration and community engagement were key and she would often involve the broader community in the learning process, connecting with neighbouring schools to share resources and ideas. 'Despite my limited isiXhosa, I've joined fellow teachers in presenting maths to parents, hoping to spark greater shared investment in education.' Wolfertz said what she found most inspiring about the school was the pupils' curiosity and creativity. 'There's a strong oral tradition here and students are eager to share stories. 'While many struggle with English, I've seen meaningful growth in their efforts to communicate, especially in understanding technical vocabulary and concepts. 'That being said, I also strongly believe, and research supports, that immersing young learners in a second language early on is essential for their success. 'What a gift it is to be fluent in two languages. While I'm not a literacy teacher, I've tried to support literacy through story-based science lessons, and by encouraging learners to write and share stories with younger learners. 'I believe literacy is more than just reading — it's about giving students the tools to understand their world and express their ideas. 'The road to Viedgesville Primary School hasn't always been easy to navigate, but with the vision and dedication of Ms [Pindelwa] Mda, the support of the Peace Corps, the contributions of this incredible community and the pure joy and eagerness of the learners, I am constantly reminded that this journey has given me far more than I could ever hope to give in return,' Wolfertz said as she bade the school farewell. This special report into the state of literacy, a collaborative effort by The Herald, Sowetan and Daily Dispatch, was made possible by the Henry Nxumalo Foundation
The Guardian
a day ago
- General
- The Guardian
Jim Shields obituary
My friend Jim Shields, who has died aged 84, was a history teacher at Quarry Bank (now Calderstones) school in Liverpool for most of his career, and rose to be head of the history department there before retiring in the mid-1990s. Affectionately known as 'JAS' or 'Shieldsy' to his pupils, he brought his classroom alive, transforming it into Renaissance Italy, the court of the Medici or the splendours of Louis XIV's Versailles. More than that, he was able to convince each of his pupils that they mattered, that their views were worthwhile and that their individual progress was of huge importance to him personally. Time and again, former students have said that Jim's teaching helped them grow in confidence by making them feel encouraged, valued and supported. Jim was born in Liverpool as the only child of Jessie Shields, a shop worker in Lewis's department store who later became one of Liverpool's first traffic wardens. His father, whom he never knew, is believed to have been killed in a naval battle during the second world war, and so Jim was brought up in an extended family that included his mother, grandmother and several cousins. He went to De La Salle grammar school and then to the University of Liverpool, where he gained a history degree followed by a postgraduate teaching qualification. Thereafter he spent his entire teaching career in Liverpool, initially at St Kevin's RC school for boys in Kirkby, one of the UK's first comprehensive schools and also one of the biggest, with more than 2,000 pupils, and then, from the mid-1960s onwards, at Quarry Bank school in Allerton. As head of history there he led a department that was a wonderful combination of rigour, brilliance and good fun. Modest and unassuming, he was always the last person to recognise the impact he had. He was an exceptional teacher, as well as a brilliant colleague and a special friend. Jim was always the most convivial company. He loved a party, enjoyed his food and the occasional dance, relished a good political argument and was known for his witty and perceptive insights. A night in his company – in the pub, the concert hall, cinema or theatre – was always well spent and good fun. A lifelong Guardian reader, his cultural life was rich with Spanish classes, opera, classical music, film, theatre and annual trips to the Edinburgh festival. Though never the most worldly or practical person, he was innately curious and enjoyed foreign travel and engaging with different cultures. He is survived by his cousin Terry.
Independent Singapore
2 days ago
- Health
- Independent Singapore
Former teacher takes pay cut for career change and falls in love with her new ‘eight-to-five' admin job, ‘glued to the chair typing away'
SINGAPORE: A former teacher has taken to Reddit to reflect on her bold career switch, revealing that despite a significant pay cut, walking away from teaching turned out to be one of the best choices she has ever made. In a candid post on the r/askSingapore forum, the woman shared that while she didn't hate teaching, she dreaded going to work every day during her four years in the profession. She explained that her daily routine began as early as 6:45 a.m. and often stretched well beyond 6 p.m. due to lesson preparations and extracurricular activities. She also worked close to five and a half days a week, leaving her with virtually no time or energy for herself. 'I dreaded it so badly. Waking up and going to work was a chore and had zero work-life balance,' she wrote. 'When I reach home, I'm so exhausted I can barely do anything else. Parents also love to contact us after working hours, and back then, my principal was adamant about us replying to them, or it would seem like we did not care about the kids' well-being. My health was on a decline, mentally and physically.' Feeling worn out and increasingly disconnected from the joy of teaching, she made the tough decision to leave the profession. 'I finally decided to leave the role and went to do a low-paying office administration job. Struggled a little at first, but I learned quickly and went on to switch to HR Team at an MNC,' she wrote. Crazy enough, I love it so much, I love coming to the office, I love working eight to five, I love my job, and I love sitting at a desk, glued to the chair typing away,' she expressed. 'Every time I tell my coworkers or friends who have been working office jobs since graduation, they all tell me I'm crazy, but this is truly an upgrade from my teacher role.' Ending her post, she asked her fellow users, 'Has anyone been in the same boat as me? Want to know your story too!' 'Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life…' Many Reddit users resonated with her story, responding with their own experiences or observations about the teaching profession in Singapore. Several pointed out that her struggles were far from unique, saying they had friends or family members in education who also felt overwhelmed and underappreciated. One shared, 'Friends in teaching all tell me that they are exhausted. It's often the connect plan that keeps them going.' Another commented, 'I've been a teacher for more than 10 years, and the recent few years have been especially bad for me mentally. I still love the job and teaching, but somehow, there has been more stress from non-teaching-related things. This year has been especially bad. I have been waking up at 3 a.m. and basically staying awake until my alarm goes off at 5 a.m. plus. Thinking of calling it quits before I lose my mind.' Others also commended the woman for having the courage to step away from a career she was once passionate about to prioritise her mental well-being. One added, 'Fantastic to hear. Find a job you love, and you'll never work a day in your life. I've seen so much general negativity on this Reddit, and it's great to see someone like you.' Another added, 'Thank you for sharing about your wonderful career transition. It gives me hope.' Nearly one in four teachers in Singapore say they experience high work stress In 2022, the Ministry of Education shared on its website that fewer than one in 20 teachers who resigned over the past five years cited workload or job-related stress as the main reason for leaving the profession. However, this statistic may not fully capture the day-to-day challenges faced by many educators. In fact, surveys reveal that nearly a quarter of teachers in Singapore (approximately 23%) report experiencing a high level of work-related stress. This figure is notably higher than the average among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, where around 18% of teachers report feeling this level of pressure. Read also: 'Even dogs get treated better': Singaporean man says his home felt more like a prison than a place to grow up Featured image by freepik (for illustration purposes only)
Geek Girl Authority
3 days ago
- Health
- Geek Girl Authority
The Path to Certification: How a Degree in Early Childhood Education Prepares You for Teaching
Embarking on a career in early childhood education is a commitment to shaping young minds during their most formative years. A degree in this vital field provides aspiring educators with the knowledge, tools, and skills necessary to support children's learning and development effectively. If you dream of making a difference in the educational journeys of young children, a solid academic foundation is your first step. Keep reading to explore how a degree lays the groundwork for certification and a successful teaching career. Understanding the Core Components of an Early Childhood Education Degree A degree in childhood education is multi-faceted, focusing on the unique learning needs of children from infancy to primary school age. The curriculum for this online program is designed to cover various aspects of teaching, including curriculum development, educational theory, and instructional strategies. Students in the field of early childhood education learn to craft age-appropriate lessons that engage young learners and promote intellectual growth. Another essential component is the emphasis on creating inclusive learning environments. Future educators are trained to recognize and accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring that every child has access to quality education. This often includes specialized instruction in working with children who have special needs or come from different cultural backgrounds. Assessment strategies also form a critical part of the degree program. Prospective teachers must learn to evaluate children's progress effectively, which involves understanding developmental milestones and implementing various assessment tools. Building a Foundation for Effective Classroom Management A well-managed classroom sets the stage for learning and development. Degree programs in early childhood education spend considerable time honing classroom management skills. Educators learn to create structured yet flexible environments that support children's natural curiosity and engagement. Effective communication is vital to managing a classroom. Future teachers are taught how to convey expectations clearly and listen to children's feedback. They learn to foster a respectful classroom culture where each child feels heard and valued, which in turn reduces behavioral issues and promotes harmony. Problem-solving is another critical aspect of classroom management. Educators face a myriad of challenges on a daily basis, from resolving conflicts among children to adapting lesson plans on the fly. A degree in early childhood education provides the strategies necessary to navigate these issues with grace and expertise. Integrating Developmental Psychology Into Early Childhood Teaching Methods A deep understanding of developmental psychology is essential for early childhood educators. It allows them to create age-appropriate learning experiences that align with children's cognitive, social, and emotional development stages. Degree programs delve into child development theories, shedding light on how children think, feel, and interact with the world around them. Incorporating this knowledge, future teachers are better equipped to recognize typical and atypical developmental patterns. This awareness is crucial for early intervention and support, especially in identifying children who may need additional resources. Educators learn to work closely with parents and specialists to provide holistic support to each child. Harnessing the Power of Play: Strategies for Active Learning Play is the language of childhood, and it is through play that children explore, experiment, and learn. Degrees in early childhood education emphasize the importance of play in promoting active learning. Future educators discover how to design play-based activities that are both enjoyable and educational. Such programs advocate for a balanced approach to instruction that integrates direct teaching with ample opportunities for child-directed play. By observing children in play, educators can gain insights into their interests and learning styles, using these observations to inform their teaching practices. Navigating the Certification Process: Steps After Your Degree Completion After completing a program in early childhood education, the journey to becoming a certified educator begins. The certification process typically requires passing a series of exams that assess teaching knowledge and competency. These tests ensure that educators are prepared to meet the demands of the classroom and provide quality education. Aspiring teachers must also complete a number of supervised teaching hours in a classroom setting. This real-world experience is invaluable in demonstrating one's ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practice. It is also an opportunity to refine teaching techniques under the guidance of experienced educators. In many regions, certification also involves a background check and continuing education requirements. These steps are put in place to protect the welfare of children and uphold the professional standards of the teaching community. Educators are expected to engage in lifelong learning to stay abreast of best practices and emerging educational research. Altogether, an early childhood education degree is a transformative stage in preparing educators to guide and inspire children during their critical early years. Overall, it is a journey that fulfills a noble purpose: molding the minds and hearts of our youngest generation. RELATED: Alexander Skarsgård Goes Rogue in Murderbot Trailer
Wall Street Journal
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wall Street Journal
Jan Shipps, Methodist Who Brought Credibility to Mormon Studies, Dies at 95
Jan Shipps showed up unannounced one day in 1971 at the office of a history professor in Indianapolis. When he asked how he could help her, she blurted out: 'You can give me a job. I'm tired of sex and I want to get back to history.' Specifically, she wanted to get back to teaching history. And studying Mormons.
