Chadwin Bagley, teacher at Rusthof Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) School in Strand, says although he was compelled to go into the field of teaching – and persuaded to not pursue a career in the performing arts as he had originally set out to do – he soon realised that teaching is a fulfilling calling.
Mr Bagley, from Gordon’s Bay, has been an educator for the past 9 years.
He recently received the 2024 Provincial Teaching Award for teaching learners with special educational needs, at the awards ceremony hosted by the Western Cape Education Department in Cape Town.
“On a personal level, I feel truly blessed, grateful and honoured in receiving this honourable achievement, especially within such a challenging teaching stream,” he says, in answer to how he feels about this recognition.
Professionally, winning the award – he says – has given him a new sense of validation and pride in his work. He adds that the award serves as confirmation that his efforts not only have the desired results, but are recognised by esteemed and knowledgeable adjudicators in the industry.
“It means a lot because I take my profession very seriously and everything I do, I do it for the advancement of my children,” he says passionately.
Additionally, he sees the award as a platform highlighting the importance of special needs education with the realisation that he is now an ambassador thereof, with the responsibility to represent the field with excellence.
“It’s thus pivotal for me to let that flag fly high,” he says.
During his time at Rusthof LSEN, he has ventured beyond the confines of traditional curricula by incorporating various creative elements, all in pursuit of creating an enriched learning environment.
His love for musical theatre and the performing arts has found a new outlet, as he now innovatively incorporates the elements of the arts in his teaching.
Establishing the school’s own marimba band last year is just one of the many cultural outlets he initiated for this purpose. A musical addition that he says has become therapeutic, aids discipline and is a constructive outlet for aggression.
“I am inspired by people’s talent. It’s one of the many pivotal things which makes the world colourful and functional.
“Seeing the talent within my learners and providing them with platforms to showcase it, inspires me even more, because it truly enhances their self-esteem, encouraging them to take pride in themselves,” he says.
He says that all teaching activities ultimately aid development of self-assurance among pupils, an important characteristic for pupils in the LSEN sphere, as it proves they are capable and functional, an integral part of a talented society, despite often facing “stigma and ridicule for living with an intellectual impairment”.
This local top teacher is now in the running for a top spot in this year’s the National Teaching Awards (NTA’s), hosted by The Department of Basic Education in October in Boksburg.
Mr Bagley returned last week from the first round of national adjudication, where he presented his work to the committees.
Mannette Mally, principal of Rusthof LSEN School, says the school is very excited and is anxiously waiting on the national results.
“The feeling of pride we have is indescribable, that one can’t express it in words. We are so very proud of what he has achieved, and he is a motivation for our other staff members to enter the competition next year.”
She says some of Mr Bagley’s most outstanding qualities are his tendency to take initiative and his eagerness to try new things.
He has stared entering the children into cultural activities, like eisteddfods – in which they are doing well – and he is at work forming new connections to benefit the school.
“He brought art into our lessons, and this has really helped our children to better express themselves and develop a deeper comprehension of language.”
At the Provincial awards ceremony, Education MEC David Maynier thanked all the teachers in the Western Cape for their hard work over the past years, and encouraged provincial residents to express appreciation for hard-working teachers.
“Our teachers are our most valuable asset, and we appreciate their love, care, and support for our children every single day.”
National Teaching Award Winners of the will be announced at the national function on Saturday October 5.
