Hiking, Horse-riding, Swimming, Cooking and Outdoor activities
Laura van Blerk
Educator And Counselor
Midrand,Gauteng
Summary
Dedicated to supporting emotional, social and academic development of children. Trained in developmental stages and knowledgeable about offering safe, nurturing environments to boost learning. Desire to complement education-based strategies with techniques to promote overall health and wellness.
Focused on individual needs of special education students. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons. Exceptional skills working with teachers, parents and specialists to meet educational needs of students. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional educational tools, fostering academic achievement and emotional well-being.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
4008
4008
years of post-secondary education
11
11
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
TEFL Teacher
Freelance Teacher
10.2024 - Current
- Implemented creative teaching strategies such as role-plays, debates, and storytelling to make lessons more engaging for students.
- Increased student fluency in English by designing interactive speaking exercises focused on practical everyday situations.
- Supported diverse learners with differentiated instruction techniques, ensuring every student had the opportunity for success.
- Fostered a supportive learning environment that encouraged students to take risks in their language learning journey while building self-confidence in their abilities.
Educator Gr 4-7 , Counselor and Administrator
Trinity Schools Knysna
01.2019 - 09.2024
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Supervised administrative support staff members, offering guidance, feedback, and mentorship that contributed to their professional growth and development.
- Implemented classroom management techniques that fostered a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
Corporate Fundraiser
Knysna Sedgefield Hospice
01.2015 - 12.2018
- Developed impactful fundraising strategies to maximize donations and meet fundraising goals.
- Secured major donations for various programs through donor cultivation and relationship building.
Shop Assistant and Administration
Bitou Craft
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Provided excellent customer service, promptly addressing inquiries and resolving issues.
- Coordinated with management team to identify and capitalize on sales opportunities during peak shopping periods.
Teaching grade 4-7
Concordia Vineyard Mission School
04.2012 - 12.2014
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
Manager
Blackwaters River Lodge
01.2011 - 03.2012
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
1st Grade Elementary Teacher
Concordia Vineyard Mission School
01.2010 - 12.2010
- Responsible for teaching the grade 1 class
- Supervising all other activities at the school
- Liaising with owners
- Needed to be self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Had to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Education
TEFL Training - Teaching English To Foreign Learners
Knysna English School
11.2024
BSC-Chemistry -
Stellenbosch University
01.1983 - 01.1984
Matriculated with university exemption -
Linden High School
11.1982
Skills
- Interpersonal communication
- Cultivating strong partnerships
- Adaptive learning techniques
- Multisensory teaching
- Recognizing talents in others
- Skilled in managing high-pressure situations
- Supportive counseling techniques
- Optimistic mindset
- Flexible problem-solving
Interests Skills Activities
- Working with people and building them up
- Finding the strengths in people
- Building relationships and connections with people
- Supporting people to achieve their full potential
- Adaptability
- Patience
- Planning and organisation skills
References
- Chris and Liz Tait, Administrator and principal-Concordia Vineyard mission School, 0824930455/0823381096
- Dr Janet Stanford, Knysna Sedgefield Hospice
- Bronwyn Chalmers, Principal, Trinity Schools, Knysna
Certification
Fundraising Training
Interests
Timeline
Sand Tray Therapy- Red Shoe Therapy- Dr Rinda Blom
07-2025
Identity Foundations Edify the Soul
06-2025
Reparenting Children with Attachment Type Injuries
04-2025
Understanding Attachment- Edify the Soul
03-2025
Analysing Children's Drawings- Red Shoe Therapy
02-2025
TEFL Teacher
Freelance Teacher
10.2024 - Current
Support for Traumatised Children
08-2024
Wholeness Pastoral Care course- Edify the Soul
08-2024
Working with Traumatised children-Red Shoe Therapy Dr Rinda Blom
04-2024
Art Sozo Leadership Training
02-2023
Educator Gr 4-7 , Counselor and Administrator
Trinity Schools Knysna
01.2019 - 09.2024
Bequest training
05-2016
Fundraising Training
07-2015
Corporate Fundraiser
Knysna Sedgefield Hospice
01.2015 - 12.2018
Shop Assistant and Administration
Bitou Craft
01.2013 - 01.2014
Teaching grade 4-7
Concordia Vineyard Mission School
04.2012 - 12.2014
Manager
Blackwaters River Lodge
01.2011 - 03.2012
1st Grade Elementary Teacher
Concordia Vineyard Mission School
01.2010 - 12.2010
BSC-Chemistry -
Stellenbosch University
01.1983 - 01.1984
TEFL Training - Teaching English To Foreign Learners
Knysna English School
Matriculated with university exemption -
Linden High School
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