Educator Achieves More Than Just A Remarkable 49 Distinctions

From excelling in the lecture room to inspiring a love for learning amongst the youth, Emeris Pretoria Class of 2025 Top Achiever Chandré Benette du Preez’s (IIE Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching) graduated with 49 distinctions and an average of 90%. Her passion for teaching does not only shine in the classroom, Du Preez is committed to her goals and aspires to be a teacher who is part of the change she hopes to see in today’s world.

“Compassion, empathy and the ability to truly listen. A great teacher is someone who can guide, educate and see the bigger picture. It is someone who genuinely wants to make a difference, who supports and encourages learners as they would their own children and who is not afraid to engage with difficult questions and conversations”, said du Preez.

She aims to create a safe space for children who may not have anyone else to talk to and to be part of the change she hopes to see within the younger generations. Education has the power to transform lives and she wants to contribute to that transformation.

Her advice to the youth aspiring to be future educators with the same passion for teaching: “Be the educator who will be remembered as the teacher who listened, saw each learner for who they were and stood by them even when no one else did”.

Du Preez strives to inspire a love for learning and confidence in every learner that she teaches.: “By educating the people who will one day make their own positive changes in the world. In many ways, I am helping to build the kind of world I would like to live in by empowering the next generation to do better and be better”.

Looking back, du Preez said “My family, my friends, my boyfriend, and my dog, Luna. Each of them supported me in different ways and helped me stay grounded throughout my studies. I have always been someone who strives to achieve the best of my abilities, and I definitely hoped to accomplish what I ultimately did”.

She is currently working as a primary school educator at Pecanwood College in Hartbeespoort. While consistently achieved academic excellence as a member of the Dean’s List and the Golden Key Honour Society.

“This achievement has shown me that I can do anything I set my mind to and that I am capable of doing hard things. It is a reminder of what perseverance, discipline, and determination can accomplish”, she said.