Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Interests Skills Activities
References
Certification
Interests
Timeline
Generic
Laura van Blerk

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

Hiking, Horse-riding, Swimming, Cooking and Outdoor activities

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
Laura van BlerkEducator And Counselor