Star Teacher

Anna-molline Uaaka

Teacher at Academia Secondary School

Entrepreneurship

Grade 8 – AS Level (Grade 12)



1. When did your journey start as a teacher?

I started my teaching career the year 2000 at Dr Mauno Mbamba Junior Secondary school in Rundu. I taught there for 13 years before moving to Otjomuise Primary School, where I taught for almost two years. I enjoyed working with the younger ones. They are so innocent and fun to work with but I realised my service was needed more at high schools and I finally moved to Academia Secondary school in 2015 until today. In total I have been teaching for 22 years now. Wow. What a commitment.

2. Was teaching always something you wanted to do?

Hahahah, never! I never imagined myself writing on a blackboard. To be honest, I went to school simply because I had to. I did not have a dream at all. I did not know of any tertiary institution. Our teachers during that time never opened our eyes, knowledge and understanding to see beyond standard 10 (Gr 12). I wrote matric in 1994 and was not exposed to career guidance. In 1996 a good Samaritan and a destiny helper (Fire Kahuikee) listened to my conversation and he said I am too smart to be on the streets. He brought an application for me, for teaching qualifications and I was accepted at Rundu college of Education. That is how I became a teacher to fulfil God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11.

3. What is the most challenging thing as a teacher?

There are plenty but I turn them into motivating steps to improve teaching and learning in my classroom. The most frustrating one is when a particular parent is not visible throughout the academic year. Even when the school invites him/her but only for them to pitch up fuming at the end of the year when his/her child is not promoted. The worst is that they don’t admit that they failed to be a part of the child’s support system throughout the academic year. They are fast to blame us as teachers for not informing them, while the school tried. It’s very frustrating and it’s not right. We need to work together as a team. The teacher, the parent and the learner. I am proud of those parents who always contact teachers to inquire about the performance and discipline of the learners throughout the year. That is the right thing to do.

4. What would you have done if you have not become a teacher?

Ooops! as I said earlier that we were never introduced to any career guidance, thinking of it now perhaps I could have become a street vendor or so. But for sure I could have been selling something legal hahahah. Is not by mistake that I am teaching entrepreneurship. Is a destiny and an assignment from above.

5. What keeps you motivated and inspired to keep on teaching?

Seeing my learners prospering in life gives me great joy. When they see you in the street and stop just to say, “thank for moulding me to be the person I am today,” that is the greatest gift one could ever wish for. Teaching is not just a career it is a calling. I have been teaching for 22 years without promotion and I never thought of quitting teaching to look for a better paying job because my hard work is not recognised. I am still a teacher because I love and enjoy teaching.

6. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy gardening. That is my hobby, I developed it during the very first lockdown and I am hooked. Apart from that I enjoy reading my bible and writing the revelations I receive on social media. I am a self-proclaimed chef, so I enjoy being in the kitchen to spoil my family now and then.

7. What is the greatest thing you have ever achieve as a teacher?

I scooped awards for being the best teacher of the year and best performing teacher throughout my years. I am a self-made academic author. In five years, I wrote 13 books. I use my own textbooks to teach my learners. Learners get inspired too and that alone motivates them to love the subject which leads to outstanding performance.

8. Do you have any motivation for prospective teachers?

Let us teach as if we are teaching our own biological children. Let us mould these children into responsible and loving citizens. We should help these learners to understand that their rights must be accompanied by responsibilities. That the same learner at the back of the class will be the same person who will teach your child when you retire. Therefore, let us leave a legacy and footprints in their life. Above all, let us ask knowledge, wisdom and strength for God Almighty to enable us to teach out of love.