Champion teachers are at the frontline of grooming tomorrow’s impact entrepreneurs. Dedicated teachers will tell you that teaching is so much more than a job, it is a calling. The commitment and influence of SA’s teachers came to the fore at the Grand Finale that took place on 20 October 2018 at the Southern Sun Cape Sun in Cape Town’s CBD.
Champion teachers at work
Champion teachers play an instrumental role in raising award-winning teen entrepreneurs. For example, Cravenby Comprehensive School, the 2017 Grand Finale overall winners, produced compost for their community. Their champion teacher was a well-established farmer who transferred his skills to the learners.
The 2018 Grand Finale second runners-up, Goodwood College, worked with Feroza Adams; a champion teacher who was passionate about using the performing arts to lure children away from drugs and joining gangs. Dance, acting and singing from the community were recognised and grown.
Characteristics of champion teachers
Entrepreneurship is not always intuitive. It often requires mentors, funding, knowledge and the impartation of skills. Before you apply to become a champion teacher, make sure that you possess the following characteristics.
- Enjoy working with teens
- Resilience
- Commitment to changing lives
- Able to transfer skills
- Patience
- Professionalism
- Passion
- Confidence to prepare learners for the Idea Generation Workshop and other events
All things said and done, the role of champion teachers is vital. Depending on the environment and community; teachers may work in challenging conditions. It is often a thankless position that requires a lot of sacrifice and planning behind the scenes. If you have such a teacher in your life, take time to say thank you for all that they do. Champion teachers can raise aspiring teen entrepreneurs who can create jobs and fight unemployment.
