Teachers' Strike

With the wage strike still ongoing and more than half the teaching staff exercising their right to protest at the Western Cape Sport School, I thought I might begin with a question or two today, just to get those here thinking about things. Let’s begin by asking whether the learners really do require the attention of teachers, and confinement in school, in order to learn. In other words, are teachers really necessary?


Even more radically, some news paper writers have suggested that young people may be their own best teachers. For example, they say research on the process of acquiring a language indicates that we learn, not by being taught by others, but from everyday experience – by listening to others, trying out patterns of words, and eventually discarding ones that don’t seem to work.


Teachers are ordinary but unique people who become teachers for different reasons, have different teaching objectives, and work in different circumstances, against a background of unequal educational provision.


I believe the impulse to teach is fundamentally humane and represents a desire to share what you value and to empower others. I began teaching when I was twenty-five and my students were thirteen years old. Now I’m forty-something and those youngsters are in their thirties. There’s not as much difference between forty-something and thirty, as between twenty five and twelve. I believe your students ‘catch up’ with you and quite often end up knowing more than you do. It’s wonderful to witness that continuous growth at the same time as you’re taking on another group of learners. You can see and feel your students grow, and that finally is the
reason to teach and the reward of teaching.


To all the staff at Western Cape Sport School, whether you were here or not whether you felt the need to strike or not... Your time and effort placed in educating the learners is appreciated by me and the community we serve.

Student Leaders

Congratulations to those being chosen as Student Leader for your school. The fact that you have been given this honour must not detract from the importance of the role. For those not chosen, lessons can still be learnt;

It's important to take the time to reflect on your own leadership development. A vital student leader seldom waits for failure before appraising his or her leadership skills. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself before accepting the role.

1. How and where do I have influence?
Influence - not position or power - makes a student leader successful.

1. What is my current level of influence at school ?
2. How often do others turn to me for direction or approval?
3. Do I see evidence of my influence with those whom I work for and those who work for me?
4. Who influences me and how?
Remember, we often adopt both the strengths and weaknesses of those around us, so make sure you are not being influenced in a way that leads you away from your goals.
5. In what new areas can I extend my influence?
It may be a new club or community project, a new alliance, or a new group of friends.

2. Where can I improve my people skills?
Someone can lead for a season based on position or problem-solving ability, but success in the long run depends on the ability to get along with and develop people.

1. How can I improve my listening skills?
2. How can I discover what motivates those whom I lead?
3. Am I willing to ask more questions and get more input from others?

3. Do I have a positive outlook?
A positive attitude alone doesn't identify a capacity for student leadership, but a negative spirit will always diminish a person's leadership potential. Never forget that a crisis situation is precisely when leadership is most noticed and valued.

1. When am I most tempted to display a bad attitude?
2. Who do I know that has a negative outlook? Do I allow them to influence me?
3. What kinds of strategies can I implement when I'm tempted to become negative?

4. Do I see evidence of growth in self-discipline?

1. Am I disciplined in my use of time?
2. Do I have worthwhile goals?
3. Are there any evidences of lack of self-discipline in my appearance or work habits?

5. Do I have a proven track record of success as a student leader?
Some people work like crazy and never accomplish anything. Past success is a key predictor of future success.

1. What have I accomplished that I am proud of?
2. Did those accomplishments include others?
3. How does my experience relate to what I need today?
4. Am I willing to put forth the effort again?

6. How are my problem-solving skills?
Many people are impressed with their ability to spot a problem. Identifying a problem is easy; just about anyone can do it. Student leaders must solve problems.

1. When I encounter a problem, do I think of solutions or excuses?
2. Do people approach me when they need help solving a problem?
3. What techniques/strategies have I developed to solve problems?


7. Do I have a big-picture mindset?
How often do you step back to maintain perspective, especially in the face of distractions or pressure? Keeping a sense of direction when the fog of fatigue sets in is a trait of a gifted leader.

1. When am I most tempted to just live from event to event?
2. What sort of reminders do I have in place to keep me mindful of the big picture?
3. Who is someone who keeps me accountable for maintaining a view of the big picture?


Finally remember the AAA solution for any problems that may come your way during your term of office;

1. Attitude - must always be positive.
2. Abilities - must strive for excellence.
3. Actions (and InterActions) - must add value to others.


Next month: What is your vision for next year?