Jeremy Dietsiso voted Kfm 94.5 Teacher of the Year
11 December 2020
Jeremy Dietsiso, a Life Sciences teacher at Silversands High School in Kuils River, secured more than half of the votes in the Kfm 94.5 Teacher of the Year competition.
He was one of ten finalists selected from more than 1 300 nominations.
Dietsiso’s victory came as no surprise to the learners at his school, many of whom had nominated him for the title.
The 27-year old teacher grew up in Happy Valley where most of the learners come from and can identify with many of the challenges the learners face. Leading by example, his aim was to inspire learners to rise above their circumstances and achieve greatness.
Dietsiso said teaching was his calling and he believed that every teacher in South Africa deserved to be nominated for the role they play in learners’ lives.
During the lockdown, Dietsiso and his mother started a feeding scheme in the community. They partnered with Peninsula Feeding Scheme and Mellon Educate and provided warm meals to up to 900 people, two to three times a week.
He was also involved with the Kuier Rapport Matriekklas project, as the Life Sciences presenter, to help Grade 12 learners prepare for their final exams.
Dietsiso is a Netball umpire and involved on provincial and national level. He started umpiring when he was in high school.
As Teacher of the Year, Dietsiso won R15 000 cash, as well as R10 000 for Silversands High School, courtesy of Kfm 94.5 and Pick n Pay School club.
Silversands High School Principal, Joy Powrie, said the entire school community is extremely proud of Dietsiso's wonderful achievement. “He is a true hero who deserves to be celebrated in this manner. Our learners are indeed fortunate to have such a passionate teacher. Mr Dietsiso has a unique way of connecting with and motivating his students and he is well loved by them. His drive for personal success as well as the upliftment of his community is truly inspirational. This award also shines the spotlight on our many passionate, committed and hardworking teachers.”
Her sentiments were echoed by Darren Simpson, host of Kfm Mornings with Darren, Sherlin and Sibs. “This campaign is a testament to the commitment of each and every hero teacher in this country. What an incredible acknowledgement of the profession. And what a worthy winner. Dietsiso is the future of this profession.”
The nine finalists were Riedewaan Bassier of Windsor High School, Jessica Ballantyne of Springfield Convent, Jade Damonse of Rhodes High School, Kerri Connor of Square Hill Primary School, Tania Rosser of Gene Louw Primary School, Dudu Lunga of Pinelands High, Stephanie du Plessis of AF Louw Primary School, Jeremy Dietsiso of Silversands High School, Toeks Rudman of Hoërskool DF Malan and Simone Isaacs of Wynberg Boys Junior School.
Videos of all finalists can be viewed on Kfm 94.5’s Facebook and Instagram pages and on social media handles #KfmTeacherOfTheYear and #KfmRedJersey.
Head of Department, Brian Schreuder said, “By “shining a light on 2020’s superstar teachers”, Kfm Mornings reminded us how fortunate we are to have so many dedicated teachers who are willing to go above and beyond to ensure that our learners get the best education possible. It was very uplifting to read the comments from parents on Facebook, hear the stories on air and watch the interviews with the finalists.”
Well done to all the finalists! You have made the WCED proud!
