Star Teacher

Teachers change the world, one child at a time33 years of teaching “Early mornings and sunsets”Lilette Mouton started her journey in education in the small town of Tsumeb in 1989. She wasn’t sure whether she wanted to become teacher at first. “My mom always told me that I was a teacher,” she said. If she didn’t become a teacher, Mouton said she would have ventured into interior design or be a stomatologist.Mouton studied a BSC degree in home economics with clothing and interior design instead. Later, Etosha Secondary School offered her a position. It was at that point that she decied to persue a diploma in education.Mouton teaches grade eight mathematics, grade 10 mathematics and additional math and grade 10 to 12 mathematical literacy (IEB). She also teaches needlework to grade nine to 10 learners; home economics to grade eight to 12; business studies to grade nine and 11; accounting to grade eight and nine; computer to grade eight and 10, and tourism to grades 10 and 11. Teachers play a big role in who students become and it’s safe to say that it’s not an easy job to take on. Teachers have a very significant, lifelong impact on all of their learners.This impact involves not only the teaching of particular academic skills, but importantly, the fostering of learner self-esteem. Reinforcing self-esteem in the classroom is associated with increased motivation and learning.Mouton had her fair share of challenges in her 33 years as a teacher. “Being a mom (two kids), stepmom (three kids), teaching and running a business all at once. Yet all of it brought me so much satisfaction that it was absolutely worthwhile”. Zone asked Mouton what she loves the most about being a teacher and she said: “The kids and those ‘aha!’ moments”.Apart from teaching, she said she stays motivated by her family, nature and her belief in God. She also enjoys music and quiet time and loves to do gardening. Mouton added that she enjoys reading, early mornings, sunsets and watching YouTube podcasts.Asked what advice she would give learners, she said: “Sow the seeds, even if you don’t necessarily see the flowers or the trees. The root system is just as important. If you don’t understand, or you are just even a little bit unsure, ask immediately”.

Star Teacher

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-15

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Star Teacher

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-15

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