The Post

Teaching is a fulfilling job

NONHLANHLA MBONAMBI nonhlanhla.mbonambi@inl.co.za

FATIMA Sayed has a passion to help others learn, and this inspired her to pursue a career in teaching.

Sayed, 38, of eManzimtoti, is a Grade 7 teacher at Doon Heights Primary School in Kingsburgh. She graduated with a Master’s degree in education, summa cum laude

"When I matriculated, I did not have enough money to study at UKZN, so I opted to study radiography at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). Since being a radiographer was a scarce skill back then, DUT paid the tuition fees for students who were doing this course,” said Sayed.

But she still longed to teach.

“I have always had respect and admiration for teachers. It had been a dream to teach, so much so that I left my previous job as a radiographer. I had saved enough money and enrolled for a four-year B.Ed degree at UKZN.”

After four years, she received a bursary to pursue an Honours degree.

“It has been really tough studying while juggling being a wife, a mother of two boys, aged 10 and 12, and a full-time teacher, but the rewards are fulfilling. I faced a lot of challenges and felt overwhelmed, especially during the exams.

“For the Master’s degree, I did a lot of field work during the pandemic. I went to different schools and interviewed teachers for my research on primary school teachers’ perspectives of transgender identities. I completed the Master’s in a year, from 2020 to 2021. My findings were that teachers needed support both in training and classrooms to better understand and support learners who belong to the LGBTQI+ community.

“It was also challenging to study online during the pandemic. I had to find innovative ways to study. This included taking notes during online classes and studying through Microsoft Teams and Zoom.”

Sayed said it still felt surreal that she topped her class. She said it was unfortunate that she was unable to attend her graduation ceremony because she tested positive for Covid-19.

“It would have been amazing to have been at the graduation ceremony this year, because I felt robbed of the opportunity when I graduated with my Honours.”

Sayed said she planned to pursue a PhD next year.

“I would like to become a lecturer one day. I feel I am at my best when I am surrounded by young people.”

She said she often encouraged pupils to continue learning and to strive for excellence.

“My advice to anyone who would like to pursue a career in teaching is to have a passion for the job. Teaching is one of the most fulfilling careers.”

Graduation

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2022-05-18T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-05-18T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://thepostza.pressreader.com/article/281801402566091

African News Agency