Loretta Blignaut
Virginia
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven English educator with extensive experience at the Free State Department of Education. Proven expertise in curriculum development and assessment strategies, fostering a positive learning environment. Strong communication and teamwork skills, enhancing student engagement and academic success through innovative lesson planning and effective classroom management. Committed to continuous improvement and professional growth.
Strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Departmental Head English
Free State Department of Education
01.2019 - Current
- Engage in class teaching as per the workload of the relevant post level and the needs of the school.
- Be a class teacher if required.
- Assess and record the attainment of learners taught.
- Be in charge of a subject, learning area, or phase.
- Jointly develop the policy for that department.
- Coordinate evaluation/assessment, homework, written assignments, etc., of all the subjects in that department.
- Provide and coordinate guidance on the latest ideas on approaches to the subject, method, techniques, evaluation, aids, etc., in their field, and effectively convey these to the staff members concerned.
- Control the work of educators and learners in the department.
- Advise the principal regarding the division of work among the staff in that department.
- Participate in agreed school/educator appraisal processes to regularly review their professional practice with the aim of improving teaching, learning, and management.
- Assist with the planning and management of school stock, textbooks, and equipment for the department.
- Manage the budget for the department.
- Perform or assist with one or more non-teaching administrative duties, such as timetabling, staff welfare, and accidents.
- Act on behalf of the principal during her/his absence from school if the school does not qualify for a deputy principal or in the event both of them are absent.
- Cooperate with colleagues to maintain a good teaching standard and progress among the learners and to foster administrative efficiency within the department and the school.
- Collaborate with educators of other schools in developing the department and conducting extra-curricular activities.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
English Teacher
Free State Department of Education
10.2013 - 12.2018
- Developed innovative lesson plans to engage students in English language learning.
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Assessed student progress and provided feedback to improve performance and establish academic success. Improved classroom management by implementing consistent routines and clear expectations for behavior
- Engage in class teaching that promotes purposeful progression in learning, aligned with the learning areas and programs of subjects and grades.
- Serve as a class educator.
- Prepare lessons considering orientation, regional courses, innovative approaches, techniques, evaluations, and educational aids.
- Assume leadership roles concerning the subject, learning area, or phase when required.
- Plan, coordinate, administer, evaluate, and report on students’ academic progress.
- Employ various strategies to meet curriculum outcomes, recognizing learning as an active process.
- Create a stimulating and engaging learning environment.
- Utilize students’ experiences as valuable resources for learning.
- Assist the departmental head to identify aspects which require special attention and help address them.
- Cater for the educational and general welfare of learners in their care.
- Assist the principal in overseeing learner counseling and guidance, careers, discipline, and the general welfare of all learners.
- Coordinate and control all the academic activities of each subject taught.
- Control and coordinate stock and equipment used and required.
- Perform or assist with one or more non-teaching administrative duties such as:
- Secretary to general staff meetings and/or other meetings.
- Fire drill and first aid.
- Participate in agreed school/educator appraisal processes to regularly review their professional practice with the aim of improving teaching, learning, and management.
- Contribute to the professional development of colleagues by sharing knowledge, ideas, and resources.
- Remain informed of current developments in educational thinking and curriculum development.
- Cooperate with colleagues of all grades to maintain a good teaching standard and progress among learners and foster administrative efficiency within the school.
English Teacher
Harmonie Primary School
01.2012 - 09.2013
- Developed innovative lesson plans to engage students in English language learning.
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Assessed student progress and provided feedback to improve performance and establish academic success.
- Improved classroom management by implementing consistent routines and clear expectations for behavior.
- Planned dynamic lessons to increase student comprehension of books and literary concepts.
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
- Prepared comprehensive English curriculum for multiple classes.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by modeling respect, empathy, and active listening skills during all interactions with students.
- Kept classroom organized, clean and safe for students and visitors.
- Increased student motivation by providing timely feedback and recognizing individual achievements.
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and hands-on activities in lessons.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary curriculum, resulting in enriched learning experiences for students.
Education
Post-Graduate Diploma - Special Needs Education
North West University
Potchefstroom, South Africa12-2025
B.Ed Honnours - Educational Management, Law And Systems
North West University
Potchefstroom, South Africa09-2018
Bachelor of Education Intermediate Phase - English
University Of Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein, South Africa01-2011
Skills
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Curriculum development
- Assessment strategies
- Special needs adaptation
- Communication skills, Teamwork and collaboration
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Time management
- Attention to detail and Computer skills
- Multitasking Abilities, Flexible and adaptable
- Decision-making and Problem resolution
- Active listening
Reading and quality family time outdoors.
I enjoy reading many different Genres of books for enjoyment.
My family and I enjoy the outdoors, camping and taking walks in nature.
Timeline
Departmental Head English
Free State Department of Education
01.2019 - Current
English Teacher
Free State Department of Education
10.2013 - 12.2018
English Teacher
Harmonie Primary School
01.2012 - 09.2013
Post-Graduate Diploma - Special Needs Education
North West University
B.Ed Honnours - Educational Management, Law And Systems
North West University
Bachelor of Education Intermediate Phase - English
University Of Bloemfontein
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