Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Software
Timeline
Generic

Bongani Sopam

Mathematics Educator
17 Gxiya Str., Ilitha Park, Khayelitsha, Cape Town

Summary

Dynamic Mathematics Educator with a proven track record at Wynberg Boys' High School and Herschel Girls School, passionate about Mathematics and enhancing student outcomes through innovative teaching strategies and multimedia presentations. Excelled in utilising real-world applications of Mathematics in significantly improving comprehension and engagement for learners. Skilled in pedagogical knowledge and parent-teacher communication, adept at mentoring new teachers and advancing educational excellence.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work History

Mathematics Educator

Herschel Girls High School
01.2012 - Current
  • Responsibilities:
  • 1. Grade 10 Head
  • · Organising grade events and camps, and in charge of 6 teachers under me.
  • · Management of learner progress and academics intervention
  • · Reports administration at end of each term, communication with parents and teachers and other relevant stakeholders.
  • · As grade 10 Head – in charge of discipline, detentions and other related issues and general guidance and pastoral care of lear
  • · As grade 10 Head – assisted with administration, organising and accompanying learners on Grade 10 Stepout 6-Day excursion in the outdoors in the greater Robertson, Greyton, McGregor and Genadendaal areas.
  • 2. House Head – (2013-2017), then changed to House Director (2018-2022)
  • · A middle management role for the pastoral care of learners responsible for the wellbeing of learners, communication with parents, academics, discipline purposes and organising house activities.
  • · Monitoring learner progress and provide support and intervention for struggling learners in conjunction with counsellors in the HSU (Health and Safety Unit) department.
  • Expanded opportunities for enrichment by creating after-school tutoring programs or math clubs tailored to various skill levels among students in need of additional support or challenge in mathematics education.
  • Mentored students on individual basis to help develop math skills.
  • Diversified teaching techniques and learning tools help students with differing ability levels and varied learning modalities.
  • Attended teacher conferences and workshops to stay abreast of new developments in math education.

Engen Maths and Science School Coordinator

Engen Petroleum
Cape Town
01.2008 - Current
  • Source learners from previously disadvangated communities who do Maths and Science in Gr10 , 11 and 12.
  • Serve as a liaison between school principals, teachers, parents, and community stakeholders regarding relevant policies or issues related to STEM education.
  • Organises an Award ceremony for previous matric learners (with their parents) every beginning of the following year.

Maths Educator

Wynberg Boys' High School
01.1996 - 12.2011
  • Established positive relationships with students, parents, and fellow educators, fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current with educational trends and research-based instructional strategies.
  • Provided regular feedback, tracking student progress and adjusting instructional strategies accordingly.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units for a more holistic learning experience.
  • Designed and administered assessments, utilising data-driven instruction to improve student outcomes.
  • Utilised multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways. This I did to the extent of starting my Youtube channel to assist learners in Mathematics.
  • Implemented project-based learning experiences that connected Mathematics to real-life situations for increased relevancy.
  • Ensured alignment between curriculum standards and instructional materials utilised throughout the academic year.
  • Enhanced student motivation with engaging activities and real-world applications of mathematical concepts.
  • Applied innovative solutions to overcome obstacles in student learning, resulting in improved understanding of complex topics.
  • Improved student comprehension by adapting teaching methods to suit diverse learning styles.
  • Mentored new teachers in best practices for math education, contributing to the overall success of the department.
  • Provided meaningful Mathematics instruction to improve math skills of children.
  • Encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving to help students develop mathematical reasoning.
  • Diversified teaching techniques and learning tools to help students with differing ability levels and varied learning modalities.
  • Attended teacher conferences and workshops to stay abreast of new developments in math education.
  • Assessed submitted class assignments, determined grades, and reviewed work with struggling students to boost success chance.
  • Created detailed syllabus to outline teaching methods, learning objectives, and exam dates.
  • Supplemented textbook material with approved third-party examples and resources for clarity on difficult topics.
  • Held regular office hours to assist students struggling with materials.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - General

University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa
12.1994 - 12.1994

Higher Diploma in Education - IsiXhosa, Maths And Religious Studies

University of Cape Town
Rondebosch, Cape Town
12.1995 - 12.1995

Skills

Teaching strategies

Pedagogical Knowledge

Parent-Teacher Communication

Online Instruction

Questioning techniques

Real-World Applications

Test Preparation

Collaborative learning

Cultural Sensitivity

Multimedia Presentations

Progress Monitoring

Creative lesson planning

Accomplishments

  • Coordinator for Engen Maths and Science School (EMSS) programme on Saturdays where I look for learners in previously disadvantaged communities who are tutored in Maths and Science with English as an extra.
  • Answer Series Grade 8 Mathematics Study Guide: Translated the first ever Grade 8 Answer Series Mathematics Study Guide to isiXhosa - 2022
  • Mathematics dictionary and isiXhosa terminology development: Collaborated with a team at UCT -PRAESA in developing a Mathematics dictionary and terminology for isiXhosa - .
  • Volunteered to translate the first ever legal Protection Order booklet for an NGO for use with victims of Gender Based Violence.
  • Part of volunteers continuously translating Facebook to isiXhosa for free.


Software

MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint etc)

Microsoft Teams

EduAdmin (learner administration programme)

Engage (learner admin programme)

Geogebra (Maths)

Autograph (Maths)

Sketchpad

Smart Document Camera use

Interactive Smartboard

Timeline

Mathematics Educator

Herschel Girls High School
01.2012 - Current

Engen Maths and Science School Coordinator

Engen Petroleum
01.2008 - Current

Maths Educator

Wynberg Boys' High School
01.1996 - 12.2011

Higher Diploma in Education - IsiXhosa, Maths And Religious Studies

University of Cape Town
12.1995 - 12.1995

Bachelor of Arts - General

University of Cape Town
12.1994 - 12.1994
Bongani SopamMathematics Educator