tfs
teachers' finishing school
Beyond the Classroom
Between teaching and mentoring, I turn to the passions that stir my soul and steady my pace
Hiking
I find renewal and inspiration in nature. When I’m not teaching or mentoring, you’ll often find me hiking or scrambling up the rugged trails of Table Mountain. There's something deeply grounding about being surrounded by fynbos, fresh air, and panoramic views — a reminder of perspective, resilience, and the beauty of slow, steady progress.
Much like the teaching journey, every trail demands patience, preparation, and presence. Some paths are steep and uncertain, others winding and slow, however, each one offers its own lessons, if you're willing to keep moving forward. Teaching, like hiking, is about showing up daily with courage, curiosity, and care. It's about adjusting your pace, embracing detours, and pausing often to reflect.
Nature reminds me that growth isn’t always loud or fast. Sometimes it’s quiet, unseen, and deeply internal, just like the transformation that takes place in a learner’s heart when teaching is intentional, patient, and kind.
Painting & Drawing
Art was my first love — a language I instinctively understood long before I ever entered a classroom. After completing school, I pursued formal training in Fine Art and Illustration, where I deepened my understanding of technique, composition, and creative expression.
My preferred mediums include pencil crayons and gouache, both of which allow for vibrant detail and layered subtlety. More recently, I’ve begun exploring oils, embracing the fluidity and freedom of brushwork they invite — a journey that has reawakened a deeper connection to the creative process.
In the classroom, I have found visual art to be a powerful pedagogical tool. It transcends language barriers, supports emotional expression, and fosters creative thinking. Whether used in Literacy, Mathematics, or Life Skills, the arts offer children alternative ways to process, express, and explore.
Integrating drawing and painting into my teaching practice has not only enriched the learning experience, but has also helped cultivate a classroom culture rooted in imagination, observation, and joy.
