Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Languages
Certification
Volleyball, Chess, Athletics
Timeline
Generic

Vakai Chidari

Physics Teacher
Johannesburg

Summary

Passionate and motivated physics teacher with a strong background in developing and implementing engaging coursework. Dedicated to helping students uncover the fascinating science behind motion, energy, and force. Highly skilled in newly introduced topics such as particle physics, nuclear physics, and modern physics. Known for expertly keeping students engaged by demonstrating how physics principles and formulas apply to real-life situations. With 24 years of experience teaching physics, brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep mastery of subject content to the classroom.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Certifications

Work History

A level Physics Teacher

Gelfa Academy
1 2024 - Current
  • Teaching Physics to IGCSE, AS and A level students
  • Teaching Mathematics and Digital Literacy to students in Grades 8 and 9
  • Approximate class size of 15 - 20 students

Additional Roles:

  • Carrying out experiments, simulations and demonstrations for all grades taught Physics.
  • Teaching evening lessons since it is boarding school.
  • Training computer skills to students doing Digital Literacy.
  • Coaching chess.
  • Coaching volleyball.
  • Tested students on knowledge of physics and retention of class lessons
  • Promoted hands-on learning experiences by incorporating lab experiments and demonstrations into lesson plans, leading to increased understanding of complex concepts
  • Provided physics demonstrations to illustrate how coursework can be applied
  • Boosted classroom engagement by developing interactive lesson plans tailored to students'' learning styles

Physics and Chemistry Teacher

Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre
09.2022 - 12.2023

Teaching Physics and Chemistry to students in Grades 10 - 12

  • Teaching Mathematics to students in Grades 8 - 12
  • Teaching Natural Sciences to students in Grades 8 - 9
  • Approximate class size of 40 - 50 students

Additional Roles:

  • Carrying out experiments and demonstrations for all grades as and when necessary.
  • Developed programs, such as study methods, to improve understanding in students and increase their interest in higher learning.
  • Coaching chess.
  • Established Energy Efficiency awareness during National Science week.
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering supportive learning environment
  • Enhanced classroom engagement through use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities

Physics and Chemistry Teacher

Mahwetse Secondary School
01.2011 - 08.2022
  • Teaching Physics and Chemistry to students in Grades 10 - 12
  • Teaching Mathematics to students in Grades 8 - 10
  • Teaching Natural Sciences to students in Grades 8 - 9
  • Teaching Technology to students in Grades 8 - 9
  • Approximate class size of 50 - 60 students

Additional Roles:

  • Performed experiments and demonstrations for all grades as and when necessary.
  • Teaching morning lessons before normal school starts.
  • Established and undertook courses, such as professional development, to keep up to date with new teaching methods and developments.
  • Coaching chess.
  • Coaching netball.
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering 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 use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities

A level Physics Teacher

English Modern School
01.2009 - 12.2010
  • Teaching Physics to students in Grades 7 - 12
  • Approximate class size of 20 - 30 students
  • Additional Roles:
  • Carrying out experiments and demonstrations for all grades as and when necessary.
  • First aid trainer
  • Coaching soccer.
  • Tested students on knowledge of physics and retention of class lessons
  • Promoted hands-on learning experiences by incorporating lab experiments and demonstrations into lesson plans, leading to increased understanding of complex concepts
  • Provided physics demonstrations to illustrate how coursework can be applied
  • Assisted struggling students through after-school tutoring sessions, resulting in improved academic performance and mastery of course material

Physics and Chemistry Teacher

Tshivhase Secondary School
01.2008 - 12.2008
  • Teaching Physics and Chemistry to students in Grades 10 - 12
  • Teaching Natural Sciences to students in Grades 8 - 9
  • Approximate class size of 60 - 100 students

Additional Roles:

  • Carrying out experiments and demonstrations for all grades as and when necessary.
  • Teaching morning lessons before normal school starts.
  • Teaching Saturday school.
  • Undertaking courses, such as professional development, to keep up to date with new teaching methods and developments.
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment
  • Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning

A level Physics Teacher

Gutu High School
01.2003 - 12.2007
  • Teaching Physics to students in forms 3 - 6
  • Teaching General Science to students in forms 1 - 2
  • Approximate class size of 50 - 60 students
  • Additional Roles:
  • Carrying out experiments and demonstrations for all grades as and when necessary.
  • Teaching morning lessons before normal school starts.
  • Undertaking coaching courses.
  • Head of Science Department.
  • Coaching chess.
  • Coaching volleyball.
  • Tested students on knowledge of physics and retention of class lessons
  • Promoted hands-on learning experiences by incorporating lab experiments and demonstrations into lesson plans, leading to increased understanding of complex concepts
  • Designed regular learning assessments and used performance analysis to improve training outcomes

A level Physics Teacher

Mashoko High School
09.1999 - 12.2002
  • Teaching Physics to students in forms 3 - 6
  • Teaching General Science to students in forms 1 - 2
  • Approximate class size of 50 - 60 students
  • Carrying out experiments and demonstrations for all grades as and when necessary.
  • Teaching morning lessons before normal school starts.
  • Coaching volleyball.
  • Tested students on knowledge of physics and retention of class lessons
  • Promoted hands-on learning experiences by incorporating lab experiments and demonstrations into lesson plans, leading to increased understanding of complex concepts
  • Provided physics demonstrations to illustrate how coursework can be applied
  • Collaborated with colleagues to align curriculum and share best teaching practices, resulting in improved overall department performance
  • Evaluated and graded students' laboratory work, assignments and papers

Education

Certificate - Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

University of Cape Town (UCT)
Cape Town, South Africa
01.2019 - 10.2019

Postgraduate Certificate - Education, Mathematics

University of South Africa (UNISA)
Polokwane, South Africa
01.2017 - 03.2019

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) - Physical Sciences

University of The Witwatersrand (Radmaste Centre)
Johannesburg, South Africa
01.2008 - 10.2008

Master of Science Degree - Geophysics

National University of Science And Technology (NUST)
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
01.2004 - 08.2006

Licentiate Degree in Education - Physics and Electronics

Enrique Jose Varona Higher Institute of Pedagogical Learning
Havana, Cuba
09.1994 - 07.1999

Skills

Lesson Planning

Strong mathematical skills

Classroom Management

Physics expertise

Activity Planning

Student Motivation Strategies

Formulas for physics

Public speaking abilities

Physics simulations

References

  • Nyagwaya B, Gelfa Academy, Hekpoort, South Africa, nyagwaya123@gmail.com, +27 61 883 0955
  • Phillip Mutshena, General Manager, Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre, George, South Africa, phillip@inkcubeko.org.za, +27 83 926 6397
  • Nadine Nortier, Manager, Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre, George, South Africa, nadine@inkcubeko.org.za, +27 73 279 8326
  • Kapa KM, HOD, Mahwetse Secondary School, Polokwane, South Africa, kgomotsomartin@gmail.com, +27 83 304 5444
  • Sepheu L, Principal, Mahwetse Secondary School, Polokwane, South Africa, slehlagare@gmail.com, +27 82 259 1404

Languages

English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Spanish
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
French
Elementary (A2)

Certification

Physics Teacher - 2004-2009

Volleyball, Chess, Athletics

A lover and coach of sports, most notably volleyball, chess and athletics.


FiVB certified.

Timeline

Physics and Chemistry Teacher

Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre
09.2022 - 12.2023

Certificate - Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

University of Cape Town (UCT)
01.2019 - 10.2019

Postgraduate Certificate - Education, Mathematics

University of South Africa (UNISA)
01.2017 - 03.2019

Physics and Chemistry Teacher

Mahwetse Secondary School
01.2011 - 08.2022

A level Physics Teacher

English Modern School
01.2009 - 12.2010

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) - Physical Sciences

University of The Witwatersrand (Radmaste Centre)
01.2008 - 10.2008

Physics and Chemistry Teacher

Tshivhase Secondary School
01.2008 - 12.2008

Master of Science Degree - Geophysics

National University of Science And Technology (NUST)
01.2004 - 08.2006

A level Physics Teacher

Gutu High School
01.2003 - 12.2007

A level Physics Teacher

Mashoko High School
09.1999 - 12.2002

Licentiate Degree in Education - Physics and Electronics

Enrique Jose Varona Higher Institute of Pedagogical Learning
09.1994 - 07.1999

A level Physics Teacher

Gelfa Academy
1 2024 - Current
Vakai ChidariPhysics Teacher