Nicolene Dekker
Empangeni
Summary
Results-driven Educator with 11 years of classroom experience and a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree. Expertise in curriculum planning, classroom management, and assessment design enhances student progress tracking. Strong communicator and collaborator, focused on improving learning outcomes and fostering effective parent-teacher relationships. Committed to ongoing professional development and contributing meaningful value in educational roles.
Overview
2
2
Languages
1
1
Certification
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Educator
Richards Bay Primary School
Richards Bay, South Africa
01.2025 - Current
- Kept students engaged and alert throughout lessons by creating educational and inspiring lesson plans.
- Adapted teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of pupils, including those with special educational requirements.
- Managed classroom behaviour through the implementation of positive reinforcement strategies.
- Conducted regular assessments to monitor student progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Continuously monitored student progress through setting and marking regular classwork.
- Created resource materials for lessons that maximised teaching effectiveness and supported diverse learning needs.
- Utilised technology in the classroom to enhance teaching effectiveness and student engagement.
- Tutored students in one-to-one and small group sessions to progress learning.
- Organised parent-teacher meetings to discuss student progress and strategies for academic improvement.
- Enhanced students' educational experience beyond the classroom by facilitating diverse extracurricular activities that promoted personal growth.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary projects, promoting a holistic learning approach.
- Supervised students during school outings, ensuring their safety and promoting an enriching educational experience.
Educator
Arboretum Primary School
Richards Bay, South Africa
09.2023 - 11.2024
- Set examinations and assignments, marked and graded work and recorded results for performance tracking.
- Prepared creative teaching materials to motivate and engage students.
- Identified clear learning objectives and specified teaching methods.
- Supervised students in assemblies and during other gatherings.
- Monitored pupil attendance and followed up on unexplained absences, prioritising welfare and safeguarding responsibilities.
- Communicated children's performance to parents or guardians and recommended ways to address problematic behaviour.
- Organised trips and extracurricular activities to develop student learning, participation and enjoyment.
Educator in Primary School
Zululand Remedial Centre
Empangeni, South Africa
01.2016 - 12.2022
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans that catered to the diverse needs of pupils in primary education.
- Promoted a culture of respect and empathy among pupils, encouraging positive social interactions.
- Prepared creative teaching materials to motivate and engage students.
- Organised classrooms and created displays to encourage positive learning environments.
- Identified clear learning objectives and specified teaching methods.
- Participated in professional development workshops to remain current with educational best practices and pedagogical techniques.
School Secretary
St Catherines
Empangeni, South Africa
07.2021 - 08.2021
- Communicated information to parents about childrens learning progress in class.
- Actioned instructions to complete administrative tasks within deadlines.
- Performed reception and telephone duties, handling and directing enquiries from pupils, parents, staff, visitors and other agencies.
- Handled confidential documents, including student records and staff contracts, with discretion.
- Acted as the first point of contact for parents and visitors, offering guidance and information.
- Monitored inventory of office supplies, placing orders to avoid shortages.
- Assisted senior management and staff with production and distribution of parental communication documents.
- Processed admissions applications, meticulously maintaining records for easy retrieval.
Educator in Primary School
St Catherines
Empangeni, South Africa
02.2021 - 06.2021
- Cleaned and organised classroom environment each day to maintain professional, learning-focused space.
- Completed assessment cycles to facilitate development of individualised learning programmes.
- Supported school administration by contributing regularly to staff meetings.
- Provided extra support through after-school tutoring sessions for pupils requiring additional assistance in key subjects.
- Conducted regular assessments to monitor pupil progress, providing feedback and tailored support to foster academic growth.
- Presented subject matter using different teaching methods and illustrated concepts to reinforce comprehension.
Educator in Primary School
Empangeni Christian School
Empangeni, South Africa
07.2015 - 07.2016
- Set examinations and assignments, marked and graded work and recorded results for performance tracking.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans that catered to the diverse needs of pupils in primary education.
- Promoted a culture of respect and empathy among pupils, encouraging positive social interactions.
- Organised classrooms and created displays to encourage positive learning environments.
- Upheld school's ideals by treating parents, teachers and students with respect and consideration.
- Enforced good manners through appropriate discipline and behaviour management.
Education
BED - Education
UNISA
South African01-2027
Skills
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Assessment design
- Exam preparation
- On-demand tutoring
- Student engagement strategies
- Exam invigilation
- Report writing
- Parent collaboration
Languages
Afrikaans
Advanced
C1
English
Upper Intermediate
B2
Interests
I enjoy a variety of creative and hands-on hobbies I draw, paint, and have a strong interest in interior decorating and fashion I also love cooking and inventing my own recipes, as well as spending time outdoors gardening
Certification
- Zululand Remedial Centre - Assisting the learning process in children with difficulties
- Zululand Training Workshop - ADHD Explained
- Sensory Intelligence Consulting - Concentration Secrets for the classroom
Timeline
Educator
Richards Bay Primary School
01.2025 - Current
Educator
Arboretum Primary School
09.2023 - 11.2024
School Secretary
St Catherines
07.2021 - 08.2021
Educator in Primary School
St Catherines
02.2021 - 06.2021
Educator in Primary School
Zululand Remedial Centre
01.2016 - 12.2022
Educator in Primary School
Empangeni Christian School
07.2015 - 07.2016
BED - Education
UNISA