Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Interests
Affiliations
References
Extra-curricular activities
Travelling/roaming
Timeline
CustomerServiceRepresentative
Lizelle Graaff

Lizelle Graaff

Educator | freelancer | life coach
Witbank,MP

Summary

Proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience
15
15
Certifications
2
2

Languages

Work History

Freelance translation, proofreading, editing, typing, transcription, digital media advertisements

Self Employed Writer
10.2025 - Current

In the last 32 years I have mentored and shaped many minds of all ages. The 'tabula rasa' theory of education is indeed true: we do write on the clean slate of hearts and minds in the education process.

  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
  • It is indeed a privilege to use my expertise to help others become a better version of themselves.
  • I'm administratively gifted and have often completed workplace puzzles, whether it be logistic issues or structural challenges.
  • Being solution-orientated, I believe that there is a solution to every problem.
  • Technology definitely has a place in 21ste century existence, therefore I have done my utmost to update my use of various programs in this regard.

Though I am not the loudest talker in the room, you will often find me working overtime and bringing excellence to the table. It is a matter of priority and enough perfectionism to drive me to improving everything I do.

  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
  • Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
  • Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
  • Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.

Teacher, Senior Teacher, HD

Kingdom Academy
07.2018 - 03.2023
  • Teaching: Afrikaans, English, Mathematics, Life Skills, Social Sciences (Geography and History), Biblical Studies
  • Spiritual Committee member and secretary, Inclusive Education (SIAS process), choir, social media (graphic design)
  • 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.
  • Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.

VIP Payroll - administration

Midfran Roads Pty Ltd
01.2014 - 07.2016
  • Salaries, UIF, petty cash, VAT, Cartrack, fleet cards and e-Toll, BEE
  • Routine road maintenance; SANRAL subcontractor
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Teacher

Department of Education and Training
08.2002 - 12.2013

Subject head gr. 8-12 (Eng.), SIAS/SBST organizer, SA-SAMS, reading laboratory, hockey, UCSA, outreaches, leadership camps, academic tours, year album, fundraising, athletics: discus coach. Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.

  • Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
  • Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings.
  • Served on school committees focused on curriculum development, teacher evaluations, or community outreach initiatives to contribute positively to the overall school climate.
  • Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
  • Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
  • Spearheaded mentorship program for at-risk students, contributing to improved academic and behavioral outcomes.
  • Promoted digital literacy by integrating technology into curriculum.
  • Developed and executed formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress, adjusting teaching strategies accordingly.
  • Enhanced literacy skills with targeted reading programs.
  • Guided students through college application process, increasing number of students accepted into their first-choice institutions.
  • Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
  • Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
  • Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
  • Conducted ongoing professional development in educational technology, keeping teaching approach current and effective.
  • Fostered positive learning environment that encouraged student curiosity and critical thinking.
  • Increased parental involvement in students' education by organizing regular communication and events.
  • Designed and implemented differentiated instruction strategy to meet diverse learning needs, enhancing educational outcomes.
  • Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
  • Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.
  • Met with students, parents and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioral and academic issues.
  • Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
  • Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
  • Completed student progress reports mid-term to notify students and parents of strengths and areas of improvement.
  • Designed detailed learning plans for struggling students based on test, homework and assignment records.
  • Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.

Supervisor

ACE School of Tomorrow
01.1999 - 07.2001
  • Supervisor: centre manager
  • Teaching: Afrikaans, English, Social Sciences, South African History, Readmaster
  • American private school system
  • Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
  • Improved customer satisfaction with timely response to inquiries, addressing concerns, and finding effective solutions.
  • Increased team productivity by implementing efficient workflows and setting clear expectations for staff members.
  • Mentored junior staff members in their career development, sharing knowledge from years of experience in the field.
  • Developed staff skills through targeted training programs, resulting in improved performance and career growth opportunities.
  • Enhanced operational workflow, identifying and eliminating bottlenecks in daily procedures.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the organization''s core values, leading by example and fostering a culture of excellence.
  • Increased customer retention rates by implementing customer feedback into actionable improvements.
  • Improved customer satisfaction with prompt and courteous resolution of inquiries and complaints.
  • Oversaw compliance with industry regulations and company policies, ensuring safe and legal operational environment.

Teacher

Department of Education & Training
01.1992 - 07.1999
  • Teaching: Afrikaans, English, Life Orientation, Biblical Studies, Social Sciences (Geography and History), Mathematics, Creative Arts, Life Skills
  • Year album, ATKV Tienertoneel (coach: drama), ATKV Redenaars en Debat (elocution and debating: adjudicator), fundraising, hockey, athletics, UCSA, leadership development, mentorship, inventory, camps, outreaches, academic tours, orchestra, hostel duty (girls hostel supervisor)

Education

B.A. (Ed.) -

Johannesburg
01.1991

High School Diploma -

Standerton High School
Standerton
04.2001 -

Skills

Research

Certification

Introduction to Quantum Computing

Interests

Art and craft, Music, Photography, Multimedia presentations: Canva; YouCut, Reading/Research, Travelling (locally and abroad), Movies

Affiliations

LinkedIn, School of Life, eTEFL, TEFL Universal, Alison, Coursera, SAOU, Challenge (newspaper), Hebrew People

References

  • Weideman, Coertze, Principal, +27 83 390 1809, Bloemhof Gekombineerde Skool, Bloemhof
  • Riëtte, Rossouw, Head of Department, +27 84 722 2685, Vaaloewer Combined School, Bloemhof
  • Franzl, Bause, Principal, +27 64 078 1871, Kingdom Academy, Welkom
  • Kerry, Bause, Head of Department, +27 82 446 7272, Kingdom Academy, Welkom

Extra-curricular activities

Adjudicator: elocution, debating, language festivals

Social media

SBST/SIAS

Art & craft

Drama

Travelling/roaming

Animals

Art and craft

Canva 

Documentaries/movies

Photography

Reading

Social media/correspondence

Swimming

Travelling/roaming


Timeline

Freelance translation, proofreading, editing, typing, transcription, digital media advertisements

Self Employed Writer
10.2025 - Current

Teacher, Senior Teacher, HD

Kingdom Academy
07.2018 - 03.2023

VIP Payroll - administration

Midfran Roads Pty Ltd
01.2014 - 07.2016

Teacher

Department of Education and Training
08.2002 - 12.2013

High School Diploma -

Standerton High School
04.2001 -

Supervisor

ACE School of Tomorrow
01.1999 - 07.2001

Teacher

Department of Education & Training
01.1992 - 07.1999

B.A. (Ed.) -

Lizelle GraaffEducator | freelancer | life coach